Why do we refrain from volunteering? A test of inhibiting factors

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2025.11.03

Keywords:

volunteering, barriers, framework, factor analysis

Abstract

In light of Hungary’s changing socio-economic landscape and the crisis situations of recent years, voluntary organizations are experiencing increasing pressure, highlighting the need to engage a growing number of volunteers. While the number of volunteers has risen, understanding the reasons behind non-participation remains essential for effective recruitment. This study explores barriers to volunteering in Hungary by applying an internationally recognized framework. A quantitative empirical investigation was conducted, in which the original statements of the framework were adapted into the Hungarian language and tested through a questionnaire. The results show that the adapted version is fully applicable for three factors (lack of skill, lack of accountability, lack of opportunity), while three others (lack of time, physical boundaries, and stress associated with volunteering) are only partially transferable. For the remaining two factors (lack of benefit, social boundaries), the measures did not prove to be valid in the Hungarian context.

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Author Biographies

Bettina Bifkovics, Corvinus University of Budapest

PhD student

Andrea Béla-Csovcsics , University of Szeged

assistant lecturer

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2025-11-14

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Bifkovics, B., & Béla-Csovcsics , A. (2025). Why do we refrain from volunteering? A test of inhibiting factors. Vezetéstudomány Budapest Management Review, 56(11), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2025.11.03

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