Abstract:
The study investigates the motivational differences between male and female volunteers as well as the transformation of volunteering rationales with age. The study applies qualitative and quantitative (mixed) method of research. The qualitative data entails eight interviews and two focus groups with participants of different demographics and volunteering experience. The quantitative data includes the nationwide survey analysis of general tendencies of volunteering in Armenia, descriptive statistics concerning informal and formal volunteering as well as reports on volunteering activity carried in 2010 and 2014. The results indicate that male volunteers are driven by egoistic whereas female volunteers are motivated by altruistic rationales. As for the age differences, younger volunteers are more career-oriented, whereas elder volunteers mostly care for social benefit.