Date of Graduation
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Matthew M. Martin
Abstract
The research objective of this study was to identify the motives behind an individual’s reasons for volunteering and discuss the equilibrium of rewards versus costs needed in order to sustain and better manage volunteer staffs. The participants for this study were drawn from a sample population of 177 individuals from three states (Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia) who actively participated as volunteers. The sample participants were active volunteers in six different organizations that assisted hospital patients, underprivileged or at-risk youth, church related concerns, schools, and other miscellaneous services. Answers to the research questions proposed in this study offered a start to a more comprehensive application of communication theory to volunteerism. From the results one can assume that Interpersonal Communication Motives play a strong role in determining what motivates an individual to volunteer. Where rewards and costs more likely play a more definitive role in determining whether a volunteer continues to donate their time and energies.
Recommended Citation
Corrigan, Michael Wesley, "Social exchange theory, interpersonal communication motives, and volunteerism: Identifying motivation to volunteer and the rewards and costs associated." (2001). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10573.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10573