Exploring the Normative Structure of Finnish Soldiers’ Home Association: Understanding an Auxiliary Organization Through Volunteer Values

Abstract

This article focuses on creating understanding of Finnish Soldiers’ Home Association (SODE) as an auxiliary organization. Drawing on the concept of organizations as normative structures, we explore how individual volunteer values contribute to shaping the functioning and actions within SODE. We took a novel approach that involved examining the values of SODE volunteers to understand the nature of the organization. We adopted an interpretivist lens and used an abductive logic of enquiry, drawing from existing research and new survey data from SODE volunteers. We show that SODE volunteers exhibit high pro-defense attitudes, patriotism, and security values. By understanding these values, we gain insights into the normative structure that guides the goals, means, and roles within SODE. This research contributes to literature on voluntary organizations in the field of military studies and highlights the significance of individual values in shaping and maintaining the unique nature of SODE as an auxiliary organization.