Autonomy and structure can enhance motivation of volunteers in sport organizations

Percept Mot Skills. 2013 Dec;117(3):709-19. doi: 10.2466/30.PMS.117x30z5.

Abstract

The goal was better understanding of the motivational factors of volunteers in non-profit sport organizations. The roles of two factors provided by supervisors to their subordinates were examined: autonomy support, i.e., the encouragement of self-initiation and emphasis on choice rather than control, and structure, i.e., the introduction of order, definite procedures, and rules. 489 sport volunteers (289 men, 200 women; M age = 31.2 yr., SD = 7.4) were administered questionnaires assessing their perceived autonomy support, structure, and motivation. Regression analysis indicated that perceived autonomy support predicted motivation. Structure also mediated the effect of perceived autonomy support on motivation. Supervisors of sport organizations should provide adequate structure for their volunteers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation / physiology*
  • Organizations / organization & administration*
  • Organizations, Nonprofit / organization & administration*
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Sports*
  • Volunteers / psychology*
  • Young Adult