A systematic review : motivational factors influencing volunteer participation in sporting events

Abstract

The growth in sporting industry in Singapore refers an increase in the number of sporting events. To ensure success of those events, there has been a rise in demand for human resource. Due to numerous benefits arising from engaging volunteers, sport organizations and event organizers therefore aim to have a steady pool of volunteers ready for service. To do so, there is a need to understand the motivational factors of potential volunteers, to attract and retain them. Currently, there are little studies to understand reasons behind volunteer participation in context of Singapore. The purpose of this paper is to explore those factors and examine any differences in motivational factors for different types of events.

Academic journals in English language, published from year 2000 to current, were retrieved from various databases and screened for eligibility. 13 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Clary et al (1998)’s Volunteer Functions Inventory was used to examine the specific functions for volunteering. Values factor was found as the primary motive for volunteering in special events or as a youth coach. However, there is no fixed motive for volunteering in large-scale events. Different individuals volunteered for different reasons, based on their perceptions of events and their needs. Sport organizations and event organizers could use the information to adopt appropriate strategies to attract and retain potential volunteers. Once their needs are satisfied, volunteers would retain and commit in volunteering in a long run.