What drives volunteer’s satisfaction, and how individuals can benefit from it? : Guide being a volunteer for dummies

Abstract: Previous studies focused on the main factors of volunteer’s satisfaction and how the organizations can influence it. This paper set out what drives volunteer’s satisfaction and in which ways can individuals benefit from it. The authors implemented the ground theory to approach this problem. They conducted qualitative research and collected data from thirty-two (32) volunteers through a survey. Then, ten selected respondents passed systematic interviews. The survey was designed in French and English to reach the maximum of volunteers. The Volunteer’s Satisfaction index inspired the design of the survey, which aim to measure the outcomes of volunteering experiences. The interviews lasted forty-five (45) minutes on average and designed to support and elaborate on the survey’s responses. Results showed that diverse elements affect the volunteer’s satisfaction. The study ranged these statements into four main categories: Support and Guidelines provided by the organization; Social integration and colleagues support; Sense of achievement and skills learned, and Rewards and Attention received. These are the four primary sources of volunteer’s satisfaction highlighted by our respondents. Volunteers can benefit from it by embracing the guidelines and ask for definite objectives in their missions. Seek social interactions and bond with other volunteers, reach their objectives and take every opportunity to exploit or learn skills and share their experiences and accept the recognition. Thus, the findings identified volunteer’s satisfaction drivers and the control of these elements by volunteers. At the end of the paper, contributions for future volunteers, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.