Emotions matter: Understanding the relationship between drivers of volunteering and participation

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Abstract

Volunteerism plays a vital role in the extensive social service system. Previous research has shown that drivers of volunteering (DOVs) are associated with desirable outcomes such as improved volunteer performance and higher levels of volunteer engagement. However, limited attention has been paid to the differential effects of different DOVs on volunteer engagement and their mechanisms of influence. This study combines self-determination theory and conservation of resources theory to examine how external regulation and intrinsic motivation shape volunteer engagement through emotional labor strategies. Based on a three-wave time-lagged sampling of Chinese 952 volunteers, we find that external regulation reduces volunteer hours and increases volunteering turnover via surface acting; intrinsic motivation increases volunteer hours and reduces volunteering turnover via deep acting. This study may suggest a preliminary insight into the mediating effect of emotions between DOVs and volunteer

Citation

  • Miao, Q., Huang, J., & Yin, H. (2025). Emotions matter: Understanding the relationship between drivers of volunteering and participation. Journal of Social Science Research, 51(3), 678–692.
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What factors impact volunteer recruitment and retention in nonprofit organizations?

This document summarizes the state of available evidence regarding what factors impact nonprofit organizations’ ability to recruit and retain volunteers. It aims to answer the following questions: What practices can managers implement to improve volunteer recruitment and retention in their organization? What are the gaps in the current research on volunteer recruitment and retention?  

About this study

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: No evidence about impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

POPULATION: Other

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: No evidence about impact

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2025

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