Motivation of volunteers focused on the development in third countries

This diploma thesis is dealing with the topic of motivation of Czech volunteers focused on the development of Third World countries. The main aim of this thesis is to answer two research questions: What are the motivating factors of volunteers for joining a volunteer program in these countries and what motivates volunteers to choose concrete country to volunteer into? Theoretical part of this paper works with various theoretical concepts of motivation which are further described and analyzed. Functional approach to motivation of volunteers is the main concept used to analyze the factors that motivate volunteers the most to participate in volunteering activities focused on development in Third World countries and also factors that work as primary motivation when selecting a specific country. To identify these factors online survey was conducted. Results of the survey were elaborated within the practical part of the thesis. For the assessment of acquired data collected via online survey were concretely used a Volunteer Functions Inventory developed by Clary and Snyder. Given the fact that the thesis is based on quantitative research, it is trying to catch variety of phenomenon connected with motivation of Czech volunteers who already have previous experience with volunteering activities in Third World countries as well as those who are interested in engaging in similar projects in the future. Evaluated data are further used for formulation of specific recommendations for future practice in this area