Professional development and motivation of TUO alumni : case study: The Student Union of Turku University of Applied Sciences - TUO
Blackburn, Jessica (2019)
Blackburn, Jessica
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019121626938
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019121626938
Tiivistelmä
Research Purpose: This study looks at the intrinsic motivation of student union alumni who graduated from Turku University of Applied Sciences. The research aims to realize how the student union alumni developed from their role in the student union.
Literature Review: The main framework used is intrinsic motivation. Thomas’ 4 groups of intrinsic motivation are competence, choice, progress and meaningfulness. Other literature related to intrinsic rewards include Deci & Ryan’s self-determination theory and Elliot & Dweck interest theory. Student involvement theory cited in Foubert & Grainger is also discussed. The chapter also covers the relevancy of volunteerism and skills for work.
Research Design: The thesis is case study research and the results are valid only to the case study. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews with 9 alumni who volunteered at the student union of Turku University of Applied Sciences during their studies. The 9 participants of the study were sought through purposive and convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted online and face-to-face to gain insights into the possible impacts of volunteering in the case study organization.
Results: The student union elected the alumni to varied roles and leadership positions, with activities to support the interest of students. The level of involvement of the alumni in the student union correlated to their developmental gains. Alumni interviewed had varied intrinsic motivations to volunteer for their student union. Their intrinsic motivation and student union activities have enabled their personal and professional growth.
Conclusions: The student union assisted some of the alumni to develop their career in higher student bodies, youth or international organizations. Student union involvement was also found to increase the network and skills of the alumni.
Recommendations: Students can use the research as a guide to the benefits of voluntarism and involvement with student organizations. Further research could be made to study other student unions in Finland.
Literature Review: The main framework used is intrinsic motivation. Thomas’ 4 groups of intrinsic motivation are competence, choice, progress and meaningfulness. Other literature related to intrinsic rewards include Deci & Ryan’s self-determination theory and Elliot & Dweck interest theory. Student involvement theory cited in Foubert & Grainger is also discussed. The chapter also covers the relevancy of volunteerism and skills for work.
Research Design: The thesis is case study research and the results are valid only to the case study. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews with 9 alumni who volunteered at the student union of Turku University of Applied Sciences during their studies. The 9 participants of the study were sought through purposive and convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted online and face-to-face to gain insights into the possible impacts of volunteering in the case study organization.
Results: The student union elected the alumni to varied roles and leadership positions, with activities to support the interest of students. The level of involvement of the alumni in the student union correlated to their developmental gains. Alumni interviewed had varied intrinsic motivations to volunteer for their student union. Their intrinsic motivation and student union activities have enabled their personal and professional growth.
Conclusions: The student union assisted some of the alumni to develop their career in higher student bodies, youth or international organizations. Student union involvement was also found to increase the network and skills of the alumni.
Recommendations: Students can use the research as a guide to the benefits of voluntarism and involvement with student organizations. Further research could be made to study other student unions in Finland.