Sport event volunteers' engagement: management matters

Abstract

Volunteers are vital to the success of many major sporting events (Doherty, 2009). Understanding the factors that influence sport event volunteerism will assist in event volunteer management. This study used self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000) to examine the relationships among individuals' motivation for volunteering, perceptions of volunteer work climate and engagement. The participants were 44 marshals and scorers volunteering at the British Women's Golf Open, Carnoustie, Scotland 2011. They completed a questionnaire assessing their motivation for volunteering, perceptions of volunteer work climate, and psychological engagement whilst volunteering. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the relationships among motivation, climate, and engagement. Volunteers' intrinsic motivation and perceptions of an autonomy-supportive work climate significantly predicted engagement. In conclusion, volunteers' engagement was related to their initial motivation, however, management practices were also important.