2016, Güntert, Stefan, Strubel, Isabel Teresia, Kals, Elisabeth, Wehner, Theo

Volunteers’ motives have been differentially linked to various aspects of successful volunteering. Using self-determination theory, we propose that volunteer functions are systematically related to the experience of self-determined versus controlled motivation. This “quality ofmotivation,” in turn, explains why motives are differentially associated with satisfaction. We conducted two studies: Study 1 (N1 = 824) addressed motives, quality of motivation, and satisfaction; Study 2 (N2 = 323) additionally examined function-specific benefits and the extent to which they match volunteers’ motives. Overall, our hypotheses were supported: values, understanding, and social justice motives were positively associated with relatively self-determinedmotivation (RSM), whereas career, social, protective, and enhancement motives showed negative correlations. The relationships between motives and satisfaction were partially mediated by RSM. Concerning benefits, Study 2 corroborated these findings for values, protective, enhancement, and social justice. This research introduces a new perspective on the quality of volunteers’ motives—with theoretical and practical implications.

2016, Thomann, Gerhard, Wehner, Theo, Clases, Christoph, Kunert, Sebastian

2015, Güntert, Stefan, Wehner, Theo

2015, Ketterer, Hanna, Güntert, Stefan, Wehner, Theo

2016, Kals, Elisabeth, Strubel, Isabel Teresia, Vaganian, Luise, Güntert, Stefan, Wehner, Theo

2015, Vollmer, Albert, Dick, Michael, Seyr, Sarah, Vollmer, Albert, Dick, Michael, Wehner, Theo

2015, van Schie, Susan, Güntert, Stefan, Wehner, Theo, Wehner, Theo, Güntert, Stefan

2016, Kunert, Sebastian, Thomann, Gerhard, Wehner, Theo, Clases, Christoph, Kunert, Sebastian

2015, van Schie, Susan, Güntert, Stefan, Oostlander, Jeannette, Wehner, Theo

2015, Güntert, Stefan, Neufeind, Max, Wehner, Theo