Exploring the motivations for volunteerism among Speed Freaks volunteer coaches : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology, Massey University

Abstract

Volunteers are vital to the operation of many organisations especially non-profit organisations. The Speed Freaks Charitable Trust is a non-profit organisation which relies on volunteers to provide support to individuals in recovery from substance and alcohol addictions. Speed Freaks volunteer coaches assist these individuals by supporting them during social running activities and events. Research suggests that an individuals’ motivations to volunteer are linked to both their satisfaction with volunteer experience and to their future intentions to continue (or desist) volunteering. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the motivational factors which lead Speed Freaks coaches to volunteer for the Speed Freaks Programme. An online survey containing the VFI—a quantitative measure of volunteer motivations—and a series of (qualitative) open-ended questions was distributed to Speed Freaks coaches via their closed Facebook group page. Results indicated that the Values function was most important, and the Career function was the least important to the coaches. Some differences according to gender were observed, however, t-test results suggested that these were not significant. In addition, no significant relationship was found between motivations and time volunteering (volunteer experience). Implications for the recruitment and retention of Speed Freaks coaches are discussed along with suggestions for future research.