Volunteer motivation in heritage railways: a study of the West Somerset Railway volunteers

Abstract

Heritage transport is the focus of academic research less often than other heritage tourism types, especially with regard to volunteer motivation. Thus, the present study extends the literature by examining heritage railway volunteers' initial motivations for volunteering and their demographic profile. The associations between the key variables of age, gender and employment experience and volunteers' initial motivations are analysed. Quantitative data were collected using a deductive methodological approach to design a postal survey employing systematic sampling (n = 252). Five preliminary hypotheses were set up based on the findings from the literature. The data analysis procedures employed principal components analysis and descriptive statistics, and then a series of statistical comparisons involving chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests and t-tests. Key findings included six motivational dimensions: altruism, for me (work substitute), social/affiliative, instrumental (hobbies), for me (relaxation/change) and instrumental (skills). It is argued that an understanding of these dimensions, and the motivational differences with regard to demographic profiles, can help heritage railway managers to plan for targeted recruitment to address organisational needs and best ensure the longevity of heritage transport tourism attractions.

Keywords:

• motivation
• management
• industrial heritage
• railways
• volunteer