This study is to review the theoretical backgrounds regarding female volunteer services and to look through literature from earlier study efforts so as to build a framework for an empirical analysis of related factors, resulting in presenting measures...
This study is to review the theoretical backgrounds regarding female volunteer services and to look through literature from earlier study efforts so as to build a framework for an empirical analysis of related factors, resulting in presenting measures to promote volunteer service activities among women.
For the purpose of this study, one-on-one in-depth individual interviews were conducted with a total of 30 females living in Seoul and the Metropolitan area. 20 of the 30 women have continuously participated in volunteer service activities and the other 10 have never experienced or have stopped volunteer services. To analyze the data the sound source recorded on site was electronically transmitted to conduct an opening coding where the overall interview content was read to explore main subjects. The results from this study can be summarized as follows:
Firstly, there was a significant difference in the perception of volunteer services between the female volunteers who have continuously participated in volunteer services and those who have stopped or never done those services. The former group perceived that volunteer services are not just unconditionally extending sympathy to others but rather chances to gain and learn many things from the objects of their volunteer services, leading to enriching their lives and self-realization. By contrast, the latter group that have stopped or never tried volunteer services was found to consider volunteer services something that people who have time and some spare room on their mind do to unconditionally extend sympathy and sacrifice for others.
Secondly, in terms of the motivation for female volunteers to join the services, only 25% of the study subjects were found to have joined on a volunteer basis. The other 75% of those surveyed were found to start the services from non-volunteer motives such as school records, requirement for college entrance, children's credits for services and incentives for promotion. In addition, as a noticeable motive factor, altruistic motivation markedly decreased while selfish and complex motivation seemed more dominant.
Thirdly, when it comes to the satisfaction factors of female volunteers, inter-personal relationship with the objects of volunteer services was found the most influential factor on satisfaction with volunteer services among the female volunteers. Study subjects were found to feel most proud and satisfied when their objects showed positive responses and gratitudes. Through the objects of volunteer services they found themselves share happiness, have chances to learn and reflect on themselves, feel self-satisfaction in living together with others and take pride in contributing to the society and the nation.
Next, in respect of the dissatisfaction factors of female volunteers, study subjects were found to feel less satisfied with what they do due to personal qualities or conditions such as lack of time, physical/ mental/psychological tiredness, and expenses caused by volunteer services. In addition, being assigned to inappropriate tasks not agreeing with their expectation and the authoritarian attitudes of the personnel in charge at volunteer service institutions as well as conflicts with objects were found to lead them to dissatisfaction.
Finally, many female volunteers surveyed were found to get over conflicts and troubles they encounter while participating in volunteer services by recollecting the satisfaction factors, that is, the happy memories they shared with their objects. Also, reminding themselves of the first motivation and goals was a way to get over troubles by starting their services from scratch based on women-specific strengths including wisdom and perseverance.
Based on those results aforementioned, possible measures to promote female volunteer services are as follows:
Firstly, diversified and active promotion activities are necessary to change social awareness of volunteer services and to induce active participation.
Secondly, a central governmental agency responsible for administering volunteer services need be adopted to provide systematic management and active support.
Thirdly, a web site need urgently setting up to connect supply and demand in the field of female volunteer services. An organized system is required so that female volunteers can acquire and choose necessary information on the places and times as well as service programs on the internet quickly and easily whenever and wherever they want.
Next, pre-service education and follow-up management for volunteers are needed. Further, training, gathering and discussion must be organized to maximize the satisfaction factors of female volunteers and to help them overcome troubles and conflicts they encounter in the course of their services.
Lastly, diversification of volunteer service programs, minimum financial support for volunteers to pay service-related expenses, social benefits including tax cuts and active support for corporate volunteer services in work places are necessary.