Volunteerism Research Articles

Oral hypofunction and social aspects in older adults visiting frailty outpatient clinic.

Oral and social problems can exacerbate long-term care. Understanding the relationship between social aspects and oral hypofunction can help identify high-risk factors for long-term care. This study aimed to investigate the social aspects of oral hypofunction among medical outpatients. This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients who visited an outpatient clinic for frailty. The oral function was assessed using seven items: oral hygiene, occlusal force, masticatory function, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, oral dryness and swallowing function. Participants with three or more functional declines were classified as having 'oral hypofunction'. Social aspects were assessed using 21 items in four categories: general resources, basic social needs, social resources and social behaviours/activities. We analysed the relationship between oral hypofunction and each social aspect. A total of 316 participants (age 78.5 ± 6.4 years) were included, and 128 (41%) had oral hypofunction. Participants with oral hypofunction were significantly more likely to have limited education, require long-term care, not use transportation, depend on others for shopping, not participate in events, lack association membership and not engage in charity or volunteer work. After logistic regression analysis, 'long-term care' and 'no association membership' remained significantly associated with oral hypofunction (odds ratios 2.3, 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-5.0, 1.1-4.7, respectively). Participants with oral hypofunction faced challenges in 'general resources' and 'social behaviour/activities', which were linked to oral function issues. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to further investigate this relationship.

Discriminant analysis for valuing voluntary work among university youth in the United Arab Emirates

This study aimed at identifying the extent to which university youth value voluntary work by using discriminant analysis to compare two groups of people who value and who don't value voluntary work according to a number of variables, referred to as discrimination variables. The study sample consisted of 250 male and female students from social departments in some universities in the United Arab Emirates, where an electronic questionnaire was distributed to the sample individuals. The results revealed that most male and female university students generally value voluntary work, and that there was a significant difference between the study groups in most independent variables, except for the variable of monthly income of the youth or their families. Discrimination variables accounted for 44.6% of variance between the two groups, with Wilks' Lambda (λ) =0.554. The percentage of the right classification of those who value and who don't value voluntary work was 88%. The results of (Tau) value revealed that the respondents with positive attitudes towards voluntary work who have a good social and health status, good educational level, a younger age, higher affiliation and citizenship, good economic status, and belong to larger families agree with the opinion stating that the university youth in the United Arab Emirates value voluntary work with a percentage of 76%. The study concluded with a number of recommendations.

Finding their way to act for nature through out-of-the-classroom learning – the case of the Green Traineeship

Dutch nature organisations developed the Green Traineeship, combining out-of-the-classroom learning with voluntary work in nature for young adults, with the aim of supporting them to towards future action for nature. To better understand how young adults’ engagement with nature can be strengthened and facilitated, we studied perceived knowledge and competences of participants of the Green Traineeship, including their motivations, their connectedness with nature before and after the experience of the traineeship through surveys. We found that trainees primarily wanted to learn, find a way to turn their green intentions into actions, and find a community of professionals and like-minded peers. Their connectedness with nature was quite high at the start and remained stable during the programme. Fulfilling the trainees’ basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) were trainees led to more willingness to act for nature and a clearer idea of the possible paths to do so. Combining volunteering (autonomy through meaningful contributions), learning (competence), and creating a community (relatedness) shows promise in facilitating young adults to find pathways towards green actions.

Psychological benefits of Voluntary work

Participating in volunteer activities is widely acknowledged as a manifestation of humanitarianism, encapsulating numerous social and ethical advantages. The impact of such initiatives goes beyond simply assisting others and improving their situations; volunteers themselves also stand to benefit greatly. Volunteering can play a pivotal role in enhancing individuals' psychological and emotional wellness, thereby adding depth to their lives and outlook. As a result, this article will focus on three key elements through which volunteer work can yield positive impacts: social skills, behavioural deviations, and quality of life.

Power in floating spaces and closed spaces: lessons from a Chinese volunteer tourism organization’s practice in Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT The study delves into the operations of a Chinese volunteer tourism organization in Mathare, Kenya, a south-south context that has not been commonly explored in development practice. The first-hand data were collected during two fieldwork trips in 2018 and 2019, employing qualitative research methods such as participant observations and in-depth interviews. By adapting the ‘powercube’ theoretical framework, the research uncovers the presence of control and manipulation beneath the outward claims of empowerment made by the organization. The analysis reveals that the lack of organizational formality, with power being floated in many situations, has paved the way for both deliberate and unintentional forms of dominance in the realm of voluntary work. As a result, conflicts and disparities have arisen within the community. Recognizing it as a mode of development practice helps us to see new ways that power is articulated and shapes development interventions in African communities.

I like Ike: The origins of broadcast presidential campaign advertising

AbstractThe first televised presidential campaign commercials ran in the 1952 electoral contest between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson, specifically as part of the effort to draft and then elect General Eisenhower. These first spot ads were developed not by political parties or the candidates but by an independent citizens group, Citizens for Eisenhower. The group developed two distinct styles of television advertising. The best known of these stemmed from the hard‐sell Madison Avenue tradition of public relations and its advertising innovator, Rosser Reeves, who produced the “Eisenhower Answers America” campaign. Less well known is an ad created by volunteer workers from the Disney Corporation, who produced an animated, musical rendition promising that “We'll Take Ike to Washington.” Unlike Reeves's more substantive ads that focused on issues, the Disney ads emphasized the image and character of the candidate. Using archival sources, this article shows that the televised marketing of the presidency stemmed not only from the public relations experts and Madison Avenue advertisers like Reeves but also from those connected to the entertainment industry who sought to manipulate the public through character appeals.

President’s Column: Enhancing Member Value

_ Editor’s Note: This is a summary of the July episode of the President’s podcast. We encourage you to listen to the episode to hear the full conversation. In this month’s episode, I had the opportunity to discuss several key topics with SPE CEO Simon Seaton. We delved into the exciting preparations for the 100th anniversary of the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), analyzed the recent member survey results, and highlighted our prestigious awards programs. Recent Travels and Engagements My recent travels included visits to various SPE sections around the globe such as India, Houston, Midland, Texas, and Brazil. These visits enable opportunities for expansion in growing energy regions like India as well as underscored the dedication and enthusiasm of our members. For example, in the Permian Section, the awarding of over $140,000 in scholarships is a testament to our collective effort in supporting the next generation of petroleum engineers through volunteer work and corporate sponsorships. In addition to attending the first CCUS Symposium in Brazil, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the student sections supported by SPE Brazil and SPE Macae. ATCE 2024 in New Orleans As we gear up for ATCE’s 100th anniversary in New Orleans, I’m thrilled about the extensive lineup of activities planned. Last year, SPE staff and the SPE Board began working on reimagining ATCE, employing a third-party consultant to interview members, ATCE attendees, and some of our exhibitors. The team came up with several high-level findings. Based on member feedback, the event layout was updated to create a more dynamic and interactive environment for attendees, create more networking opportunities, and drive more traffic to the exhibit floor. The Executive Advisory Committee (EAC) was expanded to include a broader range of industry perspectives. In addition to assembling the opening general session, this expanded EAC put together six additional executive level strategic panels that will tackle key industry challenges and opportunities. The Opening General Session will feature an all-star CEO panel that includes Tayba Al Hashemi, ADNOC Onshore; John Lindsay, Helmerich & Payne; Jeff Miller, Halliburton; and Meg O’Neill, Woodside Energy. Another highlight of the event will be Liberty Energy’s CEO, Chris Wright, who will deliver the keynote address at Monday’s chairpersons’ luncheon, who will share his insights and industry trends. ATCE’s technical program remains strong. This historic event will feature more than 400 technical presentations in 50 technical paper and poster sessions. Additionally, we will present a selection of the best papers from two other conferences, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovation from the Drilling Conference and the Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Conference. Also new in 2024, SPE members will receive complimentary access to the exhibition floor, encouraging greater participation from local members and providing an opportunity to explore the latest technologies and solutions and network with industry leaders.

The Reality of Volunteer Work among the Students of the University of Jordan

Objectives: The study aimed to identify the reality of volunteer work among the students of the University of Jordan. Methods: A total of 1714 undergraduates (551 male and 1164 female) were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to elicit information using the descriptive analytical approach. There were multiple-choice questions covering topics like how often college students volunteer, what kinds of service projects students want to take on, what they hope to gain from getting involved, what holds them back, and what resources would help get more college students involved in service projects. Results: The findings revealed that both male and female students were eager to participate in volunteer activities. Most students (75.3%), both male and female, already engage in volunteer work, and the areas in which they hope to gain experience are primarily related to aiding charitable organizations that serve the underprivileged. Regarding implementation extent, there was a statistically significant correlation involving gender and college in students' views about volunteer work, with humanities students topping other students in this respect. By engaging in voluntary labor, students aspired to acquire new skills, boost their self-esteem, and develop their social skills. The primary obstacle to participation in volunteer labor programs was the lack of adequate promotion for volunteer work, while society's unfavorable view of volunteers had a minimal effect. Conclusions The students at the University of Jordan recognize the value of volunteer work in building self-confidence and acquiring new skills.

의료봉사프로그램이 간호대학생의 간호전문직관, 자기효능감, 셀프리더십, 전공만족도 및 봉사활동만족도에 미치는 효과

Purpose: This study attempted to determine the effects of a healthcare volunteer program on nursing students’ professionalism, self-leadership, self-efficacy, major satisfaction, and volunteer activity satisfaction. Method: This study collected data before and after the implementation of a healthcare volunteer program consisting of 4 hours of education including 3-hour lecture and 1-hour practice, and 70 hours of medical volunteer activities over a period of 2 months from January to February 2024. The subjects who participated in this study were 55 freshmen and sophomore in nursing students. The effectiveness of the program was analyzed using the IBM SPSS WIN program, and the effects of nursing professional intuition, self-leadership, self-efficacy, and major satisfaction were analyzed using paired t-tests, and volunteer activity satisfaction was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Results: In this study, the experimental group's nursing professionalism increased from 115.35±11.85 points to 122.91±12.46 points (t=3.26, p=.002), and self-leadership increased from 64.27±7.16 points to 66.98±7.41 points (t=2.10, p=.041), self-efficacy increased statistically significantly from 65.69±8.70 points to 69.45±10.45 points (t=2.31, p=.025). However, major satisfaction increased from 24.24±3.75 points to 24.78±4.06 points, but there was no statistically significant difference (t=0.72, p=.472). In this study, volunteer activity satisfaction was 96.90±13.67 points, which when converted to a perfect score of 100, was 86.52 points. Conclusion: The results shows volunteer activities at medical institutions can increase nursing students' professionalism, self-leadership, and self-efficacy before clinical practice. Therefore, we suggest volunteer work at medical institutions to increase nursing students' professional intuition, self-leadership, and self-efficacy.

TINJAUAN HUKUM EKONOMI SYARI’AH TERHADAP AKAD PERJANJIAN KERJA SAMA ANTARA PORTER DAN PT. KAI

The cooperative relationship between the company and the workers still leaves serious problems regarding the rights and obligations of each party, as well as what happens in the cooperative relationship between the porter and the company PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station. This study aims to determine the mechanism of the work relationship between the porter and PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station, knowing the role of porters in improving the service quality of PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station, and knowing the sharia economic law review of the cooperation agreement between the porter and PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station. The method used in this research is to use a qualitative approach. This type of research is field research. Sources of data used are primary data sources and secondary data sources. Respondents or informants in this study are people who have knowledge of the work of porters at Palembang Kertapati Station, and some of the porters themselves. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The results of the analysis in the discussion can be concluded from several points, namely: First, the working relationship between the porter and PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station is a volunteer worker at PT. KAI that works at Palembang Kertapati Station with a permit and coordination mechanism at the Head of Kertapati Station in Palembang. Second, the role of porters in improving the service quality of PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station is to fulfill the vision of PT. KAI. And third, a review of sharia economic law on the cooperation agreement that if viewed based on the contract, the work agreement or syirkah (in Islamic view) that occurs between the porter and PT. KAI is a syirkah 'abdan / syirkah' charity, and if seen according to thecontract ijarah, even though in the working relationship between the porter and PT. KAI at Palembang Kertapati Station according to PT. KAI that porter is not part of PT. KAI and also not part of Palembang Kertapati Station, but the wages earned by porters are directly from passengers who use their services on the terms of the rates set by PT. KAI.

Empowered but afraid: do Saudi women have the capability to freely decide their university majors?

This study used a capability approach to investigate Saudi women’s empowerment experiences and their capabilities in decision-making regarding choosing their university majors. Further, the study explored what capabilities women required to make decisions regarding their majors at university. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 26 women, comprising graduates, students, and faculty members. Results revealed that new legislation and regulations in Saudi Arabia have positively influenced sociocultural transformation. However, in small cities and nonurban settings, women may struggle to reject traditional social norms despite their empowerment. The findings indicate that encouraging students’ voluntary work and their membership in groups and organisations, as well as ensuring diverse hiring practices are in place in rural areas and small cities, could support a more general acceptance of women’s empowerment.

Incompatible logics? Professionals and volunteers as collaborating partners in the disability services, the social services, and the probation services

ABSTRACT This study explores the integration of volunteers within Sweden’s public sector, specifically in disability services, probation services, and social services. In a study of public documents, it examines the differing logics of professional and voluntary social work, noting three key distinctions: practical preconditions, qualifications, and tasks. Professionals are paid employees with formal education, while volunteers are often unpaid, valued more for their personal engagement. Volunteers tend to focus on interpersonal relations, whereas professionals handle more complex tasks like assessments. Despite legislative support for volunteer involvement, practical implementation reveals several challenges. Recruitment difficulties, lack of comprehensive guidelines, and the different operational logics of professionals and volunteers complicate integration. For instance, recruitment is claimed to be hard, there is a notable lack of knowledge about the specific content of volunteer interventions as well as of expected outcomes. In the frame of such logics, a shift is ongoing in practice, from volunteer involvement to professionals taking on the task of being the persons people in need meet. The study highlights a gap between legislative aspirations and professional practices, noting that the political idea of integrating volunteers often does not align with the ideas of structured professional social work. Working together with volunteers, adding their humanistic approach to the professionals’ work, do not fit into the structured, outcome-focused framework of professional social work. The study concludes that more support and structured guidance of the professionals are needed to effectively combine the logics of professional and voluntary work in social services.

The effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health and social support of student, amateur, and professional musicians in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This pan-Canadian study investigates the effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health, and social support of Canadian musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected from 1,618 participants aged 14 and above during the first wave of the pandemic up to the first half of 2022. The survey included standardized questionnaires to self-assess well-being (WHO-5), mental health (MHC-SF), and social support (SPS-10 measures social support). Results show that increased musical practice frequency correlates with improved well-being and mental health, particularly among amateurs. Professional musicians and those at a post-secondary level exhibit lower well-being scores, likely due to pandemic-related challenges. Factors such as age, gender, sports engagement, and participation in social clubs or volunteer work significantly influenced outcomes. While sports engagement was associated with higher scores on well-being, mental health and social support, no significant differences were found among participants engaged in artistic hobbies. As for involvement in social clubs or volunteer work, benefits were reported on two of the three outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that regular amateur musical practice, especially in group settings, alongside engagement in sports and social activities, may have promoted well-being, mental health, and social support among musicians during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Memorializing Women on the Move: A register of migrant women landmarks in Europe.

This dataset was developed by COST Action 19112 Women on the Move (WEMov), which engages in unveiling women migrants' presence and participation in the construction of Europe. The dataset was built as a register of toponyms and monuments in the political and public landscape in Europe - such as street names, school names and parks, as well as statues and memorials - that celebrate women migrants. With the dataset we want to discover how women migrants are remembered and what kind of landmarks present these individuals who have had an episode of migration for a variety of reasons. Moreover, our aim is to make these landmarks and the stories of women migrants visible by presenting the results of the dataset in an interactive map on our website. At the moment, the dataset includes 1000 landmarks. The collection of data was based on voluntary work of scholars and students from over 40 different European countries. We have aimed for broad geographical coverage; however, some areas are better represented than others due the nature of data collection. The collection of data is an ongoing process and therefore the dataset in Nakala repository, to which this data note refers, presents the situation in July 2023. Updated versions of the dataset will be made available in Nakala and we will download new landmarks to our interactive map on a regular basis. The selected landmarks and migrant trajectories feature cross-community or cross-cultural migration. They show both typical and exceptional forms of mobility and present women of different age, profession, social status and migration status. This intersectionality of the project and the dataset highlights not only the richness of these landmarks and their value for scholarship but also the wide spectrum of migrant women and their contribution to society.

Enhancing student career readiness: a two-decade systematic literature review

This study intends to discover the elements that impact student career readiness growth, analyze the components that dominate that growth, and identify the factors that dominate student career readiness. The methods used to review selected articles are discussed including publication standards, databases, eligibility and exclusion criteria, stages of the review process (identification, screening, feasibility) as well as abstraction and analysis of data. By following the guidelines of item preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) to produce this review. Based on the commonalities and traits of the first identified components, these factors have been separated into two categories, internal and external. Self-efficacy factors for internal factors and job training factors for external factors are the two factors with the maximum frequency and dominance over the others. Pursuing formal and non-formal education relevant to the chosen career field, making short-term and long-term career plans, establishing a strong professional network, and seeking relevant work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work are all components of a career readiness strategy. Develop the necessary skills for an industry or career field, improve your communication skills, think positively, and be willing to confront career challenges. Maintain a balance between personal and professional life.

Participation of rural youth in volunteer work at Aja Center, Dakahlia Governorate

Participation of rural youth in volunteer work at Aja Center, Dakahlia Governorate

The mental health of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Beneficial effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction

BackgroundFollowing the COVID-19 global emergency, health students were faced with increased workloads, university closures, study interruptions, loss of peer support networks, and the challenges of volunteer work in hospitals. These factors caused health students to experience significant stress and anxiety, highlighting the necessity of psychological interventions for this group. Several studies have reported that a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) protocol offers valuable coping skills for traumatic events. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on stress, anxiety, and depression among nursing students at Qom University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodThis experimental study was conducted on 72 nursing students from the nursing faculty of Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The sampling was conducted using stratified sampling, and the allocation method employed was simple randomization. MBSR intervention based on social networks was implemented for the experimental group. The Stress-Anxiety-Depression Assessment Questionnaire (DASS-21) was completed by both groups before the study commenced, immediately after, and 2 months post-intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS-16 using t-test, chi-square, and repeated measures analysis. ResultsAnalysis of variance with repeated measures showed that in the experimental group, the effect of time on the average score of stress, anxiety, and depression is significant (p < 0.001). The t-test showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression scores immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001) and in the follow-up phase (p < 0.001). ConclusionsMBSR based on social networks is effective and applicable in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suggested that MBSR should be included in the curriculum of nursing students so that they can have the necessary mental preparation to face acute critical conditions such as COVID-19.

Formal and informal

Volunteering is a pressing concern in civic organizations. This article explores how voluntary work can be best organized by using a case study from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway, which is characterized by both voluntarism and professionalization. Drawing on interviews and observations in congregations following different modes of organizing, we investigate the roles of volunteers and professionals. The findings highlight how actors distribute their work tasks and interpret functional and moral responsibility. The patterns of roles and responsibilities reflect two ideal-typical forms of organizing. We discuss the degrees of formalization in each context and propose a new categorization, which we conceptualize as informal and formal organizing of voluntary work. The first places emphasis on the individual employee, who works through personal relationships, and task distribution is scarcely regulated. The latter is formalized by explicit mandates and responsibilities shared systematically. We conclude that congregations, professionals, and volunteers can benefit from a formal approach to organizing voluntary work.

The controversial relationship between narcissistic leadership and voluntary work behaviours: a meta-analytic approach

AbstractContradictory evidence on the correlation between narcissism in organisations and voluntary work behaviours forms the basis for the present study. The authors employed a systematic review (meta-analysis) to describe the relationship between narcissistic leadership and voluntary work behaviours. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) model, the authors identified fifty-two (52) research articles for the meta-analysis. The study highlighted a statistically significant relationship between narcissistic leadership and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) but an insignificant relationship between narcissistic leadership and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). The results necessitate looking at leader narcissism from a multidimensional perspective. The use of longitudinal and experimental designs to study the relationship between leader narcissism and voluntary work behaviours can also address the current limitations. A theoretical justification for the use of either self or other measures of the relationship between leader narcissism and voluntary work behaviours should also be considered.

German and Dutch works councils: A trust theory of legal employee voice

AbstractGerman and Dutch law grant works councils (WoCs) a significant role in company affairs, accompanied by the obligation to act in the organization's overall interest. However, is this sufficient to ensure meaningful WoC involvement in practical organizational decision‐making? We use the well‐emphasized concept of trust from the voluntary employment voice literature as a foundation for exploring how managerial goodwill translates into employment relations regimes with strict mandatory employee voice elements. We take two cases of strict employee voice systems as our litmus test: Germany and the Netherlands. Through structural equation modeling, we unravel the direct and indirect effects on employee representatives' assessment of employee voice effectiveness, considering factors such as legislation, interpersonal relationships between WoC and management team, and union involvement. Trust is positioned as a central mediator. Utilizing unique survey data from 2014 that includes responses from German and Dutch works councilors, the results indicate that legal information rights alone do not solely promote WoC involvement in both countries. Trust also plays a vital role, demonstrating a direct positive effect on having a say and acting as a mediator for timely information provision, goal sharing, organizational support, unity within the WoC (in the Netherlands), and union involvement (mainly in Germany). These cross‐country differences are attributed to variations within Rhineland capitalism, where German relations are primarily characterized by a strong capital‐labor divide, and Dutch relations predominantly emphasize consensus‐seeking.