Investigating motivations and volunteering outcomes in local government : evidence from Malta

Abstract

This empirical study attempts to provide a better understanding and assessment of the motivations of local government volunteers in Malta. By adopting a functional approach to volunteerism, the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) is modified to reflect seven primary motivations that volunteering in the Maltese local council environment can serve (values, social, understanding, career, political, enhancement and protective). The responses of 152 local councillors/mayors revealed that volunteers who received greater amounts of functionally relevant benefits reported more satisfaction and a stronger intention to continue volunteering in local councils. The aggregated effect of multiple motives as well as other person-based determinants (marital status and education) produced a significant impact on volunteering outcomes in the “strong” situational context of the Maltese local council environment. The findings are discussed and the study provides practical recommendations for marketing local government positions and for optimising the fit between local government organisations and their key resources.