Altruism, Volunteers, and Volunteerism

Which public and private policies we deem appropriate to foster volunteering in the public interest is determined by our view of the motives of volunteers and the basic nature of volunteering. This paper examines research results from several disciplines and fields of volunteering to conclude that it is a mistake to view volunteers as principally altruistic. Rather, it argues, volunteering is essentially an instrumental (though not necessarily selfish) activity, done to achieve ends which the volunteer finds rewarding. The policy implications of this view are explored.