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In the present study the constructs of individualism and collectivism were incorporated into a conceptual understanding of the volunteer process. The findings offer a broader perspective on volunteer antecedents and experiences and address an ongoing debate about the implications of individualism and collectivism for volunteering. Collectivism was found to be more strongly related than was individualism to altruistic motivations and the desire to strengthen social ties. Collectivism, but not individualism, was found to be associated with the development of a volunteer role identity. Individualism was most closely associated with career-related volunteer objectives. The results suggest that individualists and collectivists differ, not in their willingness to volunteer, but in why they choose to volunteer.
Keywords: individualism, collectivism, motive, role identity, volunteerism.
In the present study the constructs of individualism and collectivism were incorporated into current perspectives on the volunteer process. Penner (2002) proposed that volunteerism could be understood by integrating two theories of long-term helping: functional analysis and role identity theory.
According to the functional view (e.g., Clary et al., 1998), people volunteer in order to satisfy particular needs or motives and continue volunteering as long as the relevant motives are fulfilled (Clary & Snyder, 1991). Clary et al. specified six volunteer motives: Values (to express values related to altruistic and humanitarian concerns for others); Understanding (to acquire new learning experiences and/or exercise skills that might otherwise go unused); Social (to strengthen social relationships and satisfy normative expectations); Career (to gain career-related experience and increase job prospects); Protective (to reduce negative feelings about oneself or address personal problems); and Enhancement (to grow and develop psychologically and increase self-esteem).
According to role identity theory (e.g., Grube & Piliavin, 2000; Piliavin & Callero, 1991), social norms often provide the initial impetus to volunteer. With continued service, the individual establishes a volunteer role identity. This new identity drives further participation as the individual strives to behave in concert with the changed self-concept.
In his integrated conceptualization, Penner (2002) proposed motive as an antecedent to volunteering. One consequence of the volunteer experience is the development of a volunteer identity, which serves to sustain the activity. Results from previous studies support the integrated approach (e.g., Finkelstein, 2009; Finkelstein & Brannick, 2007; Finkelstein, Penner, & Brannick, 2005).
The present effort provided...