Fatores motivadores para atuação de voluntários em uma cooperativa de crédito do oeste catarinense

Abstract

The present study addresses the management of volunteer work in a credit cooperative located in Western Santa Catarina, highlighting its social and organizational relevance in strengthening corporate social responsibility practices and the principles of cooperativism. The research was motivated by the growing appreciation of corporate volunteering as a strategic tool for engagement and community development, especially in the context of credit cooperatives, whose activities are based on solidarity, cooperation, and commitment to the community. The general objective was to analyze volunteers’ opinions about the activities carried out by the cooperative, identifying the factors that influence their motivation and participation in social actions. The methodology adopted was quantitative in nature, classified as descriptive, and carried out through a case study and field research. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisting of 46 questions, administered to all 468 active volunteers of the cooperative. The results indicated that the group surveyed is predominantly composed of young women with higher education and financial stability, characterizing a profile of technically skilled volunteering driven by ethical and community-oriented values. A high level of satisfaction and intrinsic motivation was observed among participants, associated with a sense of belonging and collective purpose. In addition, the volunteers recognized the program’s effectiveness and the social impact of the initiatives, although they pointed out the need for greater participation in the planning of activities and improvements to internal communication channels. It is concluded that the cooperative’s volunteering program is consolidated and strategic, promoting both institutional development and the strengthening of the cooperative identity and the organization’s social commitment. This conclusion is supported by the findings from the sample of 75 respondents, who reported high levels of satisfaction, belonging, and perceived community impact. Coherence between discourse and practice is also verified, reinforcing institutional credibility. Nevertheless, there remain incremental opportunities regarding feedback mechanisms and the integration of new participants, without detracting from the merits of the program. In sum, volunteering operates as a vector of continuous organizational learning and the strengthening of social bonds, contributing to the longevity of the cooperative proposition.