Will this voluntary project be successful?: Validation of an instrumental model of volunteering behavior

Abstract

AbstractThis study examines whether instrumental considerations influence people's decision to start volunteering. Using social dilemma theory as a basis, the authors assume that the decision to start volunteering is contingent on whether a voluntary program will be successful in achieving a collective goal. The study's findings underscore the importance of anticipated success likelihood perceptions, which appear to have a major impact on potential volunteers' decision‐making process. Furthermore, social consensus beliefs relating to proximate referents have a more distinct impact than do social consensus beliefs relating to distant referents. Finally, the study reveals interesting gender‐specific differences. On the basis of the results from the empirical analysis, the study offers implications for management and avenues for further research.