Bridging the Gap in Performance of Voluntary Work: A Mixed Methods Research on Identification of and Adaptation to Motivational Factors of Mbo-Students Related to Voluntary Work

Abstract

Voluntary work has beneficial consequences for society, organisations and volunteers. However, practically-educated people are an underrepresented group. The aim of this research was to identify motivational factors to do voluntary work of mbo-students in the Netherlands. In addition, the goal was to investigate whether MDT-organisations, which offer a place to do voluntary work at, inquire about these reasons and adapt their trajectories to the wishes of volunteers. It was expected that mbo-students valued reasons related to professional development most highly. A translation of the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), which assesses motivational factors for doing voluntary work, was shared with mbo-students. 122 participants enrolled in an mbo-3- or mbo-4-study were included in the research. In addition, interviews were conducted with five MDT-supervisors, in order to determine whether they are aware of the reasons why volunteers apply and whether and how they adapt their trajectory to these reasons. No significant relation between mbo-level and motivational factors was found (F = .89, p = .348). Values, Understanding and Career were the highest scoring factors for mbo-3- and mbo-4-students. Furthermore, MDT-supervisors were found to identify and adapt their trajectories, to differing extents, to the motivational factors of volunteers. More research on motivational factors and other factors that potentially influence the participation of mbo-students and practically-educated people in general in voluntary work is needed, so that the barriers that prevent them from participating more can be identified.