Volunteer engagement and intention to quit from a self-determination theory perspective

Drawing on self-determination theory, the current study investigates the mediation process of satisfaction with the three basic needs (i.e., autonomy, competence and relatedness) between autonomous motivation and volunteers' turnover intention and work engagement. A study of 349 Romanian volunteers revealed an interesting dichotomy. For work engagement, the positive effect of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction appears to be partially mediated by autonomous motivation. Turnover intention, however, is directly influenced by the degree of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction of the relatedness need has no effect on the two outcome variables when controlling for autonomy and competence needs. Implications and possible explanations are suggested