title: Autonomy and structure can enhance motivation of volunteers in sport organizations.
abstract: The goal was better understanding of the motivational factors of volunteers in non-profit sport organizations. The roles of two factors provided by supervisors to their subordinates were examined: autonomy support, i.e., the encouragement of self-initiation and emphasis on choice rather than control, and structure, i.e., the introduction of order, definite procedures, and rules. 489 sport volunteers (289 men, 200 women; M age = 31.2 yr., SD = 7.4) were administered questionnaires assessing their perceived autonomy support, structure, and motivation. Regression analysis indicated that perceived autonomy support predicted motivation. Structure also mediated the effect of perceived autonomy support on motivation. Supervisors of sport organizations should provide adequate structure for their volunteers.
authors.forename: Wei Ting
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Kou Hsien
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yi Ching
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chia Huei
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.forename: Hui Chin
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation / Q000502:physiology*; D009938:Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit / Q000458:organization & administration*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D013177:Sports; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult