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A Systematic Literature Review on Motivation of Volunteerism

Author

Listed:
  • Khairol Anuar Kamri

    (Department of Social Science, Centre for General Studies and Cocurricular, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Mahadee Ismail

    (Department of Government and Civilizational Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Lee Yok Fee

    (Department of Government and Civilizational Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu

    (Department of Government and Civilizational Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Nur Shaqirah Md Yunan

    (Department of Government and Civilizational Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Marzudi Md Yunus

    (Department of Government and Civilizational Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Hairol Anuar Mak Din

    (Department of Nationhood and Civilization, Selangor International Islamic College University, Bandar Seri Putra, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze national and yearly trends in past research and to explore motivations for volunteerism over seven recent years using a Systematic Literature Review approach. The PICo strategy was employed to ensure the selection of relevant studies, focusing on key concepts and considering contextual factors. The PRISMA Guideline Framework guided the review process, with articles systematically selected from the SCOPUS database. Findings revealed that the majority of studies on volunteerism motivation in SCOPUS were conducted in the United States. The analysis consistently identified two main motives: intrinsic (value motive, enhancement motive, psychological motive, protective motives, cognitive motive, and spiritual motive) and extrinsic (social motive, career motive, skill motive, culture motive, experience motive, material motive, status motive, network motive, pressure motive, and ideological motive). Each finding was contextualized within the specifics of past studies. While volunteers engage in various domains like politics, welfare, and sports, this study focuses on volunteers broadly, without specific categorization.

Suggested Citation

  • Khairol Anuar Kamri & Mohd Mahadee Ismail & Lee Yok Fee & Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu & Nur Shaqirah Md Yunan & Marzudi Md Yunus & Hairol Anuar Mak Din, 2025. "A Systematic Literature Review on Motivation of Volunteerism," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 4942-4955, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:4942-4955
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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