Helping in the Situation of Choice: An Empirical Evidence from the Dimensions of Competitive Resources Sharing and Ethno-Cultural Difference
Abstract
This study examines the evolution of help-giving behaviour among 80 non-governmental organisation (NGO) workers in Ibadan, focusing on factors that influenced their aid provision. The aim is to understand how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, such as altruism, religious obligations, and organisational values, shaped the help-giving behaviour of NGO workers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising quantitative data collected through surveys and qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews with NGO leaders and field staff. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The study found that altruism and religious obligations were the primary motivators for help-giving among NGO workers. These intrinsic motivations were often aligned with personal values and the organisational mission. Cultural values also played a role, although to a lesser extent, while financial incentives were acknowledged but not seen as primary motivators. Overall, intrinsic motivations were more influential than extrinsic rewards in fostering sustained engagement among NGO workers. The findings suggest that NGOs should focus on strengthening intrinsic motivators such as moral responsibility, empathy, and religious or cultural values to maintain staff engagement and commitment, especially during times of financial constraints. This could ensure that workers remain dedicated to their roles and that aid provision remains effective, even when resources are limited.
Keywords
NGO workers
help-giving behaviour
altruism
religious obligations
References
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