The Role of Volunteerism in Shaping Youth Social Skills: A Study of Motivational Factors in Malaysia

Volunteering by young people is essential because it helps them to contribute to the country and society. Volunteering is a concept and practice that refers to contributing or sharing time, resources, knowledge, skills or abilities, and experience voluntarily, without coercion, and without expecting a reward. Its central aim is to contribute to the development of the country. Despite all efforts to cultivate the spirit of voluntarism in society, studies on the motivation of young people to participate in voluntary activities have yet to receive much attention in research. This study examines youth participation in volunteer activities in Malaysia. In particular, the factors that motivate youths to participate in volunteer activities were examined. The snowball method was used in this study. According to the results, respondents ranked value factors as the most important part of volunteering. At the same time, they ranked understanding as the second most important part of volunteering. Respondents also saw protective qualities as an important aspect of volunteering. Finally, young people consider career and social issues the least important aspects of volunteering. The results of this study will provide some suggestions and recommendations on how institutions can help attract and engage students in volunteering more successfully.