Om Ideellt engagemang och dess betydelse för yrkesrollen
SamhällsvetenskapSocial sciences - psychologyArbetsvetenskapHuman work science - generalEmotionMotivationPersonalitySelf-realizationThe new working lifeVoluntary workWork role
The aim of this study was to reach a better understanding of voluntary work and
its possible influence on the work role. Based on a phenomenological approach,
five voluntary workers from the leisure field were interviewed.
The interpretation of the empirical data was based on the Humanistic psychology
and its theories about personality, self-realization, motivation and emotion.
The results show that the motive behind the voluntary engagement varied amongst
the participants and all of them stated more
than one motive. However, social motives, wanting to learn more and develop
their skills and also wanting to help others, were the most frequent motives
among the participants. In the light of the theoretical background
for this study, these motives can be understood as being due to the need of
self-realization and appreciation from others, and also a wish to reach an
ideal self. Existential angst could also lie behind the participants tendency
to take on responsibilities and also their general need of control in their
lives. The results also showed that for the participants, the voluntary
engagement had significance for other roles in life, such as the work role.
All participants stated that they had found their acquired knowledge and
experiences from the voluntary work useful in their daily jobs. Strengthened
self-esteem and important skills and experience from the voluntary engagement
proved to be of use in the work role.