A cross-cultural analysis of factors influencing choice in volunteering activities. Issue 1 (19th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Offstein, Evan H.; Chory, Rebecca M.; Childers Jr, J. Stephen
• Is Part Of: Competitiveness review. Volume 25:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2015-01-19
• Subjects: Competition -- Periodicals; Competition, International -- Periodicals; Competition -- United States -- Periodicals; United States -- Economic policy -- 1981- -- Periodicals; United States -- Commercial policy -- Periodicals; 338.604805
• DOI: 10.1108/CR-05-2013-0054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-5422

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – This study aims to offer insights into the contextual and situational variables that influence volunteering choices. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – An analysis of European and US business students' volunteering experiences is performed. Cross-cultural and experiential outcomes are compared and contrasted at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – A majority of volunteering decisions are made without thoughtful reflection, based on convenience in an effort to reduce personal hardship, and influenced heavily by institutional and organizational structures. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – These results call into question the notion that volunteering-related choices are deeply personal, purposeful and/or reflective decisions. Moreover, the findings begin to explain why volunteerism continues to be dogged by labels such as "ineffective", "inefficient" or "lacking in value" when benchmarked against expectations.</p> </sec> </abstract>