Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate drivers of volunteer’s motivation at major sporting events, how those affect future voluntary engagement, and whether there are differences in the motivation based on the type of event.Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative research design was chosen and volunteers at two major events in handball (n = 96) and equestrian (n = 83) were surveyed. Structural equation modelling was used based on a multi-group analysis to answer the guiding research questions.Findings - The results reveal that expression of values and personal growth are the strongest factors influencing volunteer motivation and future behaviour. The factor love of sport had surprisingly no major effect on volunteer motivation at the handball event. Significant differences in volunteer motivation based on the type of event were detected.Research limitations/implications - A limitation of this study is the rather small sample sizes. Nonetheless, the results obtained seem to be reliable. One implication of this research is that the model proposed in previous research to investigate volunteer motivation at mega sport events can be applied to major sport events and the multi-group approach is useful when analysing different events.Practical implications - Practionners should try to find a good match between the interests and abilities of the volunteers and their tasks at the event. This also includes the motivation.Originality/value - The value of this research lies in applying a new methodological approach using multi-group analysis to volunteer research.
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate drivers of volunteer’s motivation at major sporting events, how those affect future voluntary engagement, and whether there are differences in the motivation based on the type of event.Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative research design was chosen and volunteers at two major events in handball (n = 96) and equestrian (n = 83) were surveyed. Structural equation modelling was used based on a multi-group analysis to answer the guiding research questions.Findings - The results reveal that expression of values and personal growth are the strongest factors influencing volunteer motivation and future behaviour. The factor love of sport had surprisingly no major effect on volunteer motivation at the handball event. Significant differences in volunteer motivation based on the type of event were detected.Research limitations/implications - A limitation of this study is the rather small sample sizes. Nonetheless, the results obtained seem to be reliable. One implication of this research is that the model proposed in previous research to investigate volunteer motivation at mega sport events can be applied to major sport events and the multi-group approach is useful when analysing different events.Practical implications - Practionners should try to find a good match between the interests and abilities of the volunteers and their tasks at the event. This also includes the motivation.Originality/value - The value of this research lies in applying a new methodological approach using multi-group analysis to volunteer research.
