Transformations  in
Business & Economics

WTHE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING AS A FORM OF LEISURE ON STUDENTS' LIFE QUALITY
Valentinas Navickas, Audrius Simkus, Herbert Strunz

ABSTRACT. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of volunteering as a form of leisure on students' life quality. In order to achieve this aim the following objectives have been set: to analyse volunteering as a form of leisure; to define the significance of non-governmental organisations to volunteering; to detail the concept of life quality; to establish the impact of volunteering to students' life quality. Having performed the research, it was established that volunteering provides young people with emotional benefits, social welfare, which manifests in self-confidence, increased motivation, stress control, independence, new acquaintances, friends and awareness of new cultures. It also contributes to personal development as communicative, teamwork, social/interpersonal skills are acquired. Volunteering has a positive impact on volunteers' health as it improves physical and mental state. The named factors, taken altogether, guarantee satisfaction of life and evidence that volunteering has a positive impact on students' life quality .

KEYWORDS:  volunteering, leisure, non-governmental organizations, students, life quality.

JEL classification:  L83, L31, O15.