Analysing volunteer engagement in biodiversity conversation NGO's: the case of Irish Wildlife Trust
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2025-05-24
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en
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The global degradation of the environment poses a major threat to wildlife populations and ecosystems. eNGOs working in the nature advocacy domain can play a key role in enhancing societal awareness of such issues, promoting an active citizenry and political action to mitigate biodiversity loss. Many eNGOs employ the use of volunteers to assist such endeavours, however, in an Irish context the factors contributing to individuals’ engagement with such efforts remain under-researched. This thesis aims to identify the essential elements of influence to volunteer engagement, within the single case-study of the Irish Wildlife Trust. The thesis aims to identify potential organisational practice improvements which can enhance volunteer involvement and satisfaction. To achieve this, current organisational engagement strategies, individual volunteer characteristics (identities, motivations, values), volunteer assessments of IWT engagement practices, and volunteer perceptions of IWT support and resource provision are explored in depth. This thesis used a mixed-method approach; semi-structured interviews with IWT volunteers and staff (primary method), and participant observations taken in the field (secondary method). Findings indicate that organisational practices and individual volunteer characteristics are seen as essential elements of influence to volunteer engagement. Future research may expand the scope of this research to address volunteer engagement across multiple Irish eNGOs, expanding upon the currently limited body of knowledge in this domain.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen