Perceptions and motivations of Volunteers in the United Arab Emirates

Perceptions and motivations of Volunteers in the United Arab Emirates – Health Services’ Implications

Author Niyi Awofeso
Co-Author Mohammed Guleid, Moyosola Bamidele
DOI

Country : UAE
Subject : Healthcare Management

Keywords : Volunteering definition, UAE, Motivations, Emiratis, Non-Emiratis

Abstract

We studied the perceptions of a sample of volunteers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about the concept of volunteering and their motivations. To date, there is no published scholarly study of volunteering perceptions and motivations in the UAE. Using a structured questionnaire and a purposive sampling technique, 103 volunteers were surveyed, of which 75% were aged 18 – 35 years, and 68% were female. Approximately 52% of respondents volunteered for more than 50 hours annually. Motivations for volunteering were not significantly influenced by age or gender. Emiratis were significantly more likely to volunteer compared with non-Emiratis. Managers of volunteering organizations were aware of the need to motivate volunteers and to allocate a significant part of their workday to volunteer issues. Only about 6% of survey participants volunteer with health-sector affiliated organizations. There is ample room to promote volunteering as a pathway for community participation in health services in UAE

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