Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Recreation

First Advisor

Daniel McLean

Second Advisor

Nancy B. Rogers

Third Advisor

Ethan Strigas

Abstract

Volunteering makes an important contribution to human society. Increasingly, at recent sporting events, volunteers are a critical part of the overall success of the events. Colleges and universities need to provide opportunities for students to meaningfully experience contributing to society during their college life. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of volunteer motivation among college students at sporting events. In particular, the study focused on the investigation of the demographics of college student volunteers in selected sporting events, the examination of the primary motives that influence their decision to volunteer, and the identification of the major constructs (dimensions) of sport volunteerism relating to college students. This study used secondary data, which was extracted from three different studies including the Country Music Marathon, the 2002 U.S. Gymnastic Championship, and the 2003 World Basketball Championship. Ninety-nine college student volunteers were isolated from the three different studies. In order to explain the questions identified for this research, the author conducted statistical analyses such as frequency, descriptive, and exploratory factor analysis. The study identified demographic characteristics, primary motives and motivational patterns of college student volunteers in sporting events. The study proposed a three-factor motivational model consisted of "Egoistic/Material," Social/Leisure," and "External Influence." Recommendation for future studies and volunteer coordinators was discussed.Volunteering makes an important contribution to human society. Increasingly, at recent sporting events, volunteers are a critical part of the overall success of the events. Colleges and universities need to provide opportunities for students to meaningfully experience contributing to society during their college life. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of volunteer motivation among college students at sporting events. In particular, the study focused on the investigation of the demographics of college student volunteers in selected sporting events, the examination of the primary motives that influence their decision to volunteer, and the identification of the major constructs (dimensions) of sport volunteerism relating to college students. This study used secondary data, which was extracted from three different studies including the Country Music Marathon, the 2002 U.S. Gymnastic Championship, and the 2003 World Basketball Championship. Ninety-nine college student volunteers were isolated from the three different studies. In order to explain the questions identified for this research, the author conducted statistical analyses such as frequency, descriptive, and exploratory factor analysis. The study identified demographic characteristics, primary motives and motivational patterns of college student volunteers in sporting events. The study proposed a three-factor motivational model consisted of "Egoistic/Material," Social/Leisure," and "External Influence." Recommendation for future studies and volunteer coordinators was discussed.

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