Exploring Volunteer Values in a Swedish Non-Profit Second-Hand Organization

The primary aim of the present study was to explore the values, motivations, experiences, and perceptions of individuals engaged in volunteering at a non-profit second-hand organization in Sweden. Additionally, the study examined whether the personal values of the volunteers aligned with those of the organization. A qualitative research design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. A combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling strategies was employed, resulting in a total of ten participants. The gender distribution included eight women and two men, with an age range of 28 to 74 years. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes related to the aim of the study. The results revealed two main themes; each encompassing associated sub-themes: Working situation, recycling, the effects of family, religion, socializing and helping others. These themes provide valuable insights into the values that influence individuals' decisions to engage in volunteer work within such organizations.