Abstract

In the last twenty years the phenomenon of volunteerism is increased very quikly in our country,. To understand this social phenomenon we examined a model of the volunteer process on a sample of 508 volunteers involved in human service organizations (HSOs). This model represents the integration of the "Volunteer Process Model" developed by Omoto and Snyder (1995), with the contributions of social-cognitive theory regarding self efficacy and collective efficacy believes (Bandura, 1997). The data analysis made through structural equation modelling, showed that a disposition to help, the perception of one's efficacy, the perception of the organizational efficacy and the motivation to be engaged into volunteer activity (because this activity offers real opportunities of personal and professional growth) are all elements that enhance satisfaction for one's own voluntary activity. Indeed, if the motivation to volunteer is guided by job enhancement opportunities ("career"), satisfaction is lowered. The intention to continue to volunteer is positively affected by the satisfaction, the integration into the organization and self-efficacy, while it is negatively influenced by career motivation. From this results it is evident the importance of efficacy believes, from both empirical and applicative point of view.