The Expectations of Volunteers Prior to the Xvii Commonwealth Games, 2002: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester, from July 25 to August 4, 2002, was the largest Commonwealth Games (the Games) and multisporting event ever held in the UK and required the recruitment and training of the largest volunteer workforce in the UK in recent decades. While much has been written about volunteering within different contextual backgrounds, and in relation to large-scale events, little research has addressed the issue of expectations of volunteers and their attitude towards functional management during the run up to a major international event. Using a qualitative research approach with focus groups this study addresses these issues. In terms of expectations, a number of key factors were identified in relation to the recruitment, training, and other management dimensions of the Games that have implications for volunteer motivation, responses to the psychological contract, and the long-term impact of a major event.

From 'Event-led' to 'Event-themed' Regeneration: The 2002 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme

“…The present study includes an evaluation of this innovative volunteer programme. This will add to research which already exists on the expectations of Manchester's volunteers, who Ralston et al (2004) suggest were optimistic about their forthcoming experience because they perceived it to be a one-off chance to participate in the staging of a large event.…”

The Importance of Tourism Motivations Among Sport Event Volunteers at the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Stuttgart, Germany

“…Nearly half of the nonStuttgart respondents (48%) stated they simply volunteered for the Championships event, 40% for the gymnastics sport itself, 19% to help the event become a success, 18% because it was a small geographical distance from home, 15% for nostalgia, 8% mentioned to meet new people, 5% to see the City of Stuttgart, 4% to develop skills, and 2% to seek escape. This indicates the tourism aspect was not that strong a motivator compared to the volunteering for the event, or sport, and for altruistic reasons (Ralston et al, 2004) although a few did want to see Stuttgart and for escapism. Henderson (1981;1984) stated, some volunteer motivations could be intrinsically orientated, such as learning new experiences, using substantial skills, personal development, and self-interest.…”

“…Past studies have focused on motivations such as helping the community, meeting new friends, being excited to take part in the event, and altruism (Coyne & Coyne, 2001;Farell et al, 1998;Green & Chalip, 2004;Knox, 1999;Ralston et al, 2004). Snyder (1993 explored motivations based on a "Volunteer Function Inventory" where key themes were values (i.e.…”

“…The literature outlines that one of the most important motivations to volunteer is altruism (Farell et al, 1998;Ralston et al, 2004). By classifying the good of society motivation among the respondents based on Snyder's inventory (1993) this statement holds true; however, Farell et al's (1998) factor, volunteering to support the community, which is also altruistic, has much less importance.…”

Gender matters in sport event volunteering

“…Men who are members of sport clubs and have experience from sport are attracted by sport events. Women are more attracted in order to develop their personal and social capital according to Ralston, Downward and Lumsdon (2004). Event volunteering is called informal or ad hoc volunteering.…”