The Conceptualization of Volunteering Among Nonvolunteers: Expanding Using the Net-Cost Approach to Expand Definitions and Dimensions of Volunteering: Using the Net-Cost Approach to Expand Definitions and Dimensions of Volunteering

Debbie Haski-Leventhal, Melanie Oppenheimer, Kirsten Holmes, Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Irit Alony, Faith Ong

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    16 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Based on the four dimensions of volunteering (time, object, nature, and environment) and net-cost analysis theory, this article examines the conceptualization of volunteering among nonvolunteers and what could attract them to volunteer (attractors). Using flashcard images of volunteering activities among a nationally representative sample in Australia, we reveal nonvolunteers perceived the existing four dimensions of volunteering and, in addition, two new dimensions of volunteering emerged: ability (required skill level) and social (who one volunteers with). Of these dimensions, object, nature, and abilities were found to be the most attractive dimensions of volunteering to nonvolunteers. The study further partially supports the use of net-cost theory as a framework for linking nonvolunteer’s perceptions of volunteering to their likelihood of volunteering, with the findings suggesting that low net-cost activities are more attractive to nonvolunteers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)30S-51S
    Number of pages22
    JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
    Volume48
    Issue number2_suppl
    Early online date2018
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2019

    Keywords

    • attractors
    • conceptualization
    • net-cost
    • nonvolunteers
    • volunteering

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