The Confucian Value of Benevolence and Volunteering Among Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Functional Motives

Abstract

Previous studies have revealed the influence of cultural values on volunteering; however, few have focused on the Confucian value of benevolence. This study examined the relationship between the Confucian value of benevolence and volunteering, as well as the mediating role of volunteer motives. A total of 473 Chinese college students completed questionnaires to assess the Confucian value of benevolence, including familism, unity, and harmony (UH), six functional motives to volunteer and volunteering. The results revealed a positive relationship between UH and volunteering and the mediating role of functional motives; however, there was no significant association between familism and volunteering. Furthermore, a multigroup analysis suggested that the mediation model was similar across genders among college students. Practical implications and limitations are also discussed.

Volunteering and psychological wellbeing in college students in China

“…The varied percentages across countries raise an important research question: do volunteering motivations differ across cultural and political contexts? (Guo et al, 2021;Domaradzki, 2022;Spires, 2018).…”

“…Meanwhile, in China the widespread Confucian value of benevolence, along with a strong state-led emphasis on community service, may influence people's motivation to participate in community service (Spires, 2018;Guo et al, 2021). Future study is warranted to examine the cultural, political, and religious factors in volunteering motivations among individuals from many different countries.…”

Enhance Volunteering Education Through Overseas Volunteer Service

“…Every year, students from many different parts of the world participate in overseas volunteer services for different needs. They assist in meeting the special needs of local people and live with local people (Duerden et al, 2018; Erdurmazli, 2019; Guo et al, 2021; Zach & Ophir, 2020). University students have a long history of participating in volunteering overseas.…”

“…Volunteering is a form of alternative cultural learning for students that usually focuses on the connection between humanitarian and caring environments while providing voluntary assistance and services to communities in necessary (Guo et al, 2021; Joppe et al, 2020). Volunteering could include conferences and exhibitions, scientific research projects, medical assistance in remote areas, the development of environmental protection plans (Fleming & Pretti, 2019), and cultural restoration (Huang & Crotts, 2019).…”

“…In recent years, overseas volunteer services have gradually gained value among educators (Davies & Jaimangal-Jones, 2020;Duerden et al, 2018;Henry, 2019;Lili & Yingjin, 2020;Owen, 2018). Students can increase their international perspectives through volunteer services (Duerden et al, 2018;Guo et al, 2021;Holmes et al, 2021;Lili & Yingjin, 2020;Seah et al, 2021), and educators can provide the travel services needed in the process of overseas volunteer services; in addition, volunteering overseas is a very important market for learning, as culture sharing during volunteer service while volunteering overseas will enhance volunteers' service experience and attract more volunteers in the future. It is thus particularly important to continue volunteer activities.…”