This study empirically examines the effects of participation motivation on civic engagement among local festival volunteers, focusing on the mediating role of life satisfaction and the moderating effect of role clarity. Grounded in Self-Determination ...
This study empirically examines the effects of participation motivation on civic engagement among local festival volunteers, focusing on the mediating role of life satisfaction and the moderating effect of role clarity. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Capital Theory, the study integrates psychological and social perspectives to explain how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations contribute to individual well-being and civic engagement.
Data were collected through a survey conducted from October 19 to November 10, 2024, targeting festival and event volunteers who participated in local events in Korea. A total of 320 questionnaires were distributed, and after excluding incomplete or invalid responses, 306 valid samples were used for the final analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 27.0. Reliability and validity were assessed through Cronbach’s α and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the research hypotheses were examined using multiple regression analysis and the PROCESS Macro (Models 4, 1, and 7).
The results revealed the following: (1) both intrinsic and extrinsic participation motivations had significant positive effects on life satisfaction; (2) life satisfaction significantly predicted civic engagement; (3) life satisfaction mediated the relationship between participation motivation and civic engagement; (4) role clarity moderated the relationship between participation motivation and life satisfaction, particularly for intrinsically motivated volunteers; and (5) role clarity further moderated the indirect effect of participation motivation on civic engagement through life satisfaction.
These findings indicate that when volunteers have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, their participation motivation is more likely to translate into psychological satisfaction, which, in turn, fosters civic engagement. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by elucidating the motivational mechanisms that link individual well-being to civic engagement in the volunteer context. Practically, the findings offer strategic insights for enhancing volunteer management and promoting sustainable civic participation through clear role communication and organizational support in local festival operations.