A Structural Equation Model for Spiritual Service Volunteer Labor Supply at Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional research investigation was to construct a structural
equation model applicable to the volunteer provision of spiritual service** by the Brahma
Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) members in the Asia-Pacific region. Using the
convenience sampling technique and applying selected inclusion criteria, the researchers
gathered a sample population consisting of 159 BKWSU members domiciled in the Asia-Pacific region. The results revealed that upon making suitable adjustments, the model was found to be congruent with empirical data. The factors of religiosity, personality traits, motivation to volunteer and hours of paid work were found to account for 54 percent of the variance with respect to volunteering to perform spiritual service. The current study adds significantly to the body of knowledge on volunteering and suggests that religion can promote volunteeringby fostering personality traits of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion in addition to the motivation to volunteer due to personal values, understanding, and religious motives. The results suggest that a better understanding of the religiosity, personality traits, and motivations of volunteer members result in the ability to better select and retain volunteer members in the religious organization. In addition, governments may incentivize the employed people to undertake the volunteer work by minimizing the opportunity cost of time constraints due to their employment.