Volunteering research in Australia: A narrative review

Abstract

Objective Australian research on volunteering is rich and diverse, but also increasingly fragmented. In an attempt to promote a more integrated study of volunteering, we review volunteering research conducted in Australia, using volunteering journey as a framework. Specifically, we summarise literature on volunteer characteristics, motivations, benefits, psychological contract, commitment, and withdrawal. Method A comprehensive review yielded 152 studies on volunteering conducted in Australia. Results We find that volunteers have distinct characteristics, such as being older, better connected, employed, and residing in rural areas. There are a variety of reasons that prompt individuals to volunteer, and this motivation does change over time. Volunteering leads to better psychological well‐being, as well as increases in social and human capital. Volunteer expectations and commitment are key drivers of ongoing volunteering. Finally, stress, work–family conflict, and negative interactions with others lead to volunteer withdrawal. Conclusion A lot is known about volunteering, however, future advancement of the field will depend on better integration across disciplines and domains. Currently, volunteering is viewed as a set of distinct stages, and a more integrated approach is required. We also note a lack of theoretical and methodological rigour in many Australian studies on volunteering.

Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: A multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives

“…This understanding enables them to provide the appropriate support to increase adherence and avoid drop-outs and negative experiences associated with participation in the programme. They stressed that the motives for volunteering are likely to change with experience, need to be regularly re-assessed and support adjusted accordingly (45).…”

Gifts as gains? The impact of volunteering on young people’s educational and occupational attainment in Australia

“…Volunteering receives considerable attention in psychology, sociology and related disciplines with every area offering its own theoretical insights and foci of attention (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019; Wilson, 2000). In this article, which assesses whether volunteering has long-term effects on educational and occupational attainments, the focus is on the contrast between cultural capital and rational choice theories.…”

“…Frequently, the concept of volunteering is used in the literature without a specific definition. However, as Kragt and Holtrop (2019, p. 2) point out, in Australian research, volunteering involves the gifting of time and effort to service others in the community out of free will and without payment.…”

“…While research on volunteering has grown in volume in Australia (for a review of over 150 studies, see Kragt & Holtrop, 2019; Lyons et al., 2006), little attention has been devoted to young volunteers who are in their teens and early twenties (but see Hyde & Knowles, 2013; McCabe et al., 2007). Educational literature positions volunteering as a means through which students contribute to their community but also gain soft skills related to interpersonal communication, organisation and teamwork (Heath, 2007).…”

Reviews: An introduction

“…Unsurprisingly, there is a rich literature on the topic of volunteering. Kragt and Holtrop () of Curtin University look at who volunteers, why they volunteer, and the benefits they gain from volunteering. Volunteers tend to be older, better connected, employed, and living in regional Australia.…”