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Predicting Future Volunteering Intentions Through a Self-determination Theory Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Yandan Wu ,
Chunxiao Li  and
Selina Khoo
Yandan Wu
Affiliation:
Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
Chunxiao Li*
Affiliation:
The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, China
Selina Khoo
Affiliation:
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*
cxlilee@gmail.com
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Abstract

Using self-determination theory (SDT; Deci and Ryan 1985), we conducted a cross-sectional survey to test the relationship among competence, intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, and intention to continue volunteering. A total of 180 Special Olympics volunteers from China participated in this study. The results showed that competence positively predicted intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction. Intrinsic motivation was a partial mediator for the relationship between competence and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction positively influenced intention and it acted as a full mediator in the relationship between intrinsic motivation and intention. It was concluded that SDT is a useful theoretical framework in understanding intention to continue volunteering. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.

Résumé

Résumé

À l’aide de la théorie de l’autodétermination (TAD; Deci et Ryan, 1985), nous avons mené une enquête transversale en vue de tester la relation entre les compétences, la motivation intrinsèque, la satisfaction au travail et l’intention de continuer à faire du bénévolat. Un total de 180 bénévoles des Jeux Olympiques spéciaux, en Chine, ont participé à cette étude. Les résultats ont montré que les compétences prédisaient de manière positive la motivation intrinsèque et la satisfaction au travail. La motivation intrinsèque était en partie un facteur de relation entre les compétences et la satisfaction au travail. La satisfaction au travail influençait positivement l’intention et servait de facteur de relation entre la motivation intrinsèque et l’intention. Il est ressorti de l’enquête que la TAD était un cadre théorique utile pour comprendre l’intention de continuer à faire du bénévolat. Les implications théoriques et pratiques sont apportées.

Zusammenfassung

Zusammenfassung

Wir führten unter Anwendung der Selbstbestimmungstheorie (Deci und Ryan 1985) eine Querschnittsbefragung durch, um die Beziehung zwischen Kompetenz, intrinsischer Motivation, Arbeitszufriedenheit und der Absicht zu einer weiteren ehrenamtlichen Tätigkeit zu untersuchen. Insgesamt 180 Personen aus China, die sich ehrenamtlich bei den Paralympischen Spielen engagierten, nahmen an dieser Studie teil. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Kompetenz zur intrinsischen Motivation und Arbeitszufriedenheit beiträgt. Die intrinsische Motivation war ein partieller Mediator für die Beziehung zwischen Kompetenz und Arbeitszufriedenheit. Die Arbeitszufriedenheit wirkte sich positiv auf die Absicht aus und agierte in der Beziehung zwischen intrinisischer Motivation und der Absicht als ein totaler Mediator. Man kam zu dem Schluss, dass die Selbstbestimmungstheorie ein nützliches theoretisches Rahmenwerk ist, um die Absicht zur weiteren ehrenamtlichen Tätigkeit zu verstehen. Theroretische und praktische Implikationen werden bereitgestellt.

Resumen

Resumen

Utilizando la Teoría de la Autodeterminación (SDT, del inglés Self-Determination Theory; Deci y Ryan 1985), realizamos una encuesta transversal para poner a prueba la relación entre competencia, motivación intrínseca, satisfacción laboral e intención de seguir haciendo voluntariado. Un total de 180 voluntarios de las Olimpiadas Especiales de China participaron en el presente estudio. Los resultados mostraron que la competencia predecía de manera positiva la motivación intrínseca y la satisfacción laboral. La motivación intrínseca era un mediador parcial de la relación entre competencia y satisfacción laboral. La satisfacción laboral influía positivamente en la intención y actuaba como un mediador total en la relación entre la motivación intrínseca y la intención. Se concluyó que la SDT es un marco teórico útil en la comprensión de la intención para seguir haciendo voluntariado. Se proporcionan implicaciones teóricas y prácticas.

摘要

摘要

使用自我决定理论(SDT; Deci and Ryan 1985),我们进行了跨领域调查,从而测试能力、内在动机、工作满意度和继续参加自愿活动意愿之间的关系。总共有180位来自中国的特殊奥运会志愿者参加了本次调查。内在动机是能力和工作满意度之间关系的部分动力。工作满意度积极影响意愿,同时作为内在动机和意愿之间关系的完整动力。结论是,对于了解继续参加自愿活动的意愿,SDT是一个有用的理论框架。提供了理论和实践含义。

要約

要約

自決理論 (SDT: デシとライアン 1985)を用いて、能力、内発的動機付け、仕事の満足度、ボランティア活動を継続する意思間の関係をテストする横断的調査を実施した。中国におけるスペシャル・オリンピックスのボランティア計180名が本研究に参加した。結果から、本質的な動機と職業の満足度を肯定的な予測がわかった。内発的動機付けは能力と職業の満足度との関係における部分的な仲介者だった。仕事の満足度は肯定的に影響して、内発的動機付けと目的においては完全の仲介者として作用した。SDT はボランティア活動を継続する意図を理解する有用な理論的枠組みである。理論的および実用的な含意を提供する。

ملخص

ملخص

بإستخدام نظرية تقرير المصير(1985 Ryan وSDT; Deci)، أجرينا إستطلاع رأي فحص للمتغيرات لإختبار العلاقة بين الكفاءة٬ الدوافع الذاتية، الرضا الوظيفي، والنية لمواصلة العمل التطوعي. شارك ما مجموعه 180 من المتطوعين من أولمبياد خاص من الصين في هذه الدراسة. أظهرت النتائج أن الكفاءة تتوقع إيجابيا˝ الدوافع الذاتية والرضا الوظيفي. كانت الدوافع الذاتية وسيط جزئي للعلاقة بين الكفاءة والرضا الوظيفي. أثرالرضا الوظيفي بشكل إيجابي على النية وإنه تصرف كوسيط كامل في العلاقة بين الدوافع الذاتية والنية. نستنتج أن تقرير المصير(SDT) هو الإطار النظري المفيد في فهم النية لمواصلة العمل التطوعي. تم تقديم آثار نظرية وعملية.

Keywords

CompetenceVolunteer motivationSatisfactionIntention

Information

Type
Original Paper
Information
Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations , Volume 27 , Issue 3 , June 2016 , pp. 1266 - 1279
Copyright
Copyright © International Society for Third-Sector Research and The Johns Hopkins University 2015

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