1. Deborah Edwards BEST TTIV 2004 Tourism and Hospitality Program University of Western Sydney 1 Introduction It's Mostly About Me: Reasons why volunteers contribute their time to museums and art museums Preliminary findings on ‘initial motivation’ of volunteers 3 large museums in 2 Australian states. Part of broader study on understanding how volunteers are organized in museums.

2. Deborah Edwards BEST TTIV 2004 Tourism and Hospitality Program University of Western Sydney 2 Findings Factor 1: Personal values Broaden horizons, vary regular activities Do something that was a chance of a lifetime in prestigious organisation Volunteering makes them feel better about themselves and can gain new skills. Factor 2:Relationship Network Friend or family member is currently involved in the museum. Asked by a friend or family member who is/was a volunteer at the institution Factor 3: Skills/capability Volunteers want to be active & useful after retirement. Want to continue using skills they believe are needed by the organisation. Past experiences providing similar services support this understanding Factor 4: Available time Respondents have more available time Have interests in activities of the institution (art, science, natural history), due to education, training or work and are motivated to volunteer.

3. Deborah Edwards BEST TTIV 2004 Tourism and Hospitality Program University of Western Sydney 3 Findings Factor 5: Social Respondents want to make new friends, feel a part of the community and interact with others. Factor 6: Purposive Respondents want to make the organisation a success Give something back to the community Certain obligation seeing others from their community volunteer Factor 7: Free time and need for a change These volunteers had plenty to do but made time to volunteer Because they wanted to vary their regular activities and learn new skills satisfying a need for change and variety. Factor 8: Personal affiliation Respondents have an affiliation to the institution thru personal interest or they or family member was an ex-serviceperson, artist or natural scientist.  Relate to ideals of the organisation  Identify with subculture; involvement enables socialisation into subculture.

4. Deborah Edwards BEST TTIV 2004 Tourism and Hospitality Program University of Western Sydney 4 Findings People consume products and services that reflect their identities – true for these volunteers Museum & art museum volunteers are self-interested. Directed by primary interests, obligations, and personal needs - hope to satisfy Volunteering for them is a leisure choice

5. Deborah Edwards BEST TTIV 2004 Tourism and Hospitality Program University of Western Sydney 5 Management Implications Ensure sustainability of volunteer programs  Develop programs to meet self-interested motivational factors  Reality marketing of programs  Demonstrate ethic of corporate social responsibility Volunteers contribute to positive social exchange  Their input can enhance exhibits  Training to capitalise on volunteer interests Meaningful cultural exchange and social understanding Treat local culture and customs with sensitivity Appropriate rewards  Ensure volunteer contribution isn’t lost thru ‘lack of respect’  Generic rewards unsatisfying, waste of valuable resources to volunteers  Rewards - motivation focused