Dispositional Correlates of Informal Volunteering

The present study investigated dispositional variables that underlie informal volunteering, service that occurs outside of any organizational structure. Dispositional variables previously related to formal volunteering, individualism/collectivism and intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, were examined along with perceived locus of control. Time spent in informal service was related to collectivism, intrinsic motivation, and an internal locus of control. The relationship of these traits to volunteer activity distinguishes the present findings from prior examinations of formal volunteerism. In those studies, neither individualism/collectivism nor intrinsic v. extrinsic motivation was related to time spent helping but did influence motives for volunteering