Congruence constructs as mediators of stereotypic image perceptions\u2019 effect on student volunteering intention

Jörg Lindenmeier,Christian Arnold,Dieter K Tscheulin,Adnan Zogaj

doi:10.1007/s12208-021-00284-5

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effects of ideal and actual self-congruence and functional congruence on the volunteering intentions of university students. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 735 students from universities in southwestern Germany. The current paper shows that stereotypic image perceptions (i.e., perceived warmth and competence) represent antecedents of the considered congruence constructs. Moreover, the study shows that actual self-congruence and functional congruence mediate the effect of perceived warmth and competence on the intention to volunteer. Ideal self-congruence did not mediate the effect of stereotypical image perceptions, nor did it have a direct effect on the willingness to take voluntary action. The study offers practical recommendations for nonprofit organizations, as well as avenues for future research based on its empirical findings.

Highlights

The commitment of volunteers is an invaluable resource that has a positive social impact and contributes to societal cohesion
The present study shows that stereotypic image perceptions of nonprofit organizations and congruence constructs affect the volunteering intentions of university students
The mediation analysis indicates that actual and functional congruence convey the effects of stereotypic image perceptions on the volunteering intentions of university students

Summary

Introduction

The commitment of volunteers is an invaluable resource that has a positive social impact and contributes to societal cohesion. Previous studies show that volunteering can have a positive effect on volunteers (Cicognani et al, 2015; Pan, 2012; Yeung et al, 2018). A significant proportion of the population in Western countries is engaged in voluntary work. In 2014 (OECD, n.d.), 44% of the US population engaged in voluntary work. This figure was 32% in Germany and 29% in the United Kingdom. In Southern European countries and Asia, the figure was slightly lower (for instance, 18% in Italy and 23% in South Korea). Lower proportions of the population in Eastern Europe work as volunteers (for instance, 9% in Hungary)

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