THE ROLE OF VOLUNTARY WORK IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOCIAL CAPITAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SAUDI SOCIETY

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to identify the role of voluntary work in improving the social capital and enhancing sustainable development in the Saudi community. Methodology: Participants were (245) volunteers who were members of the Saudi Volunteer Organization (Takatuf). Their ages were between (20-26) years and were all dwelling in Riyadh. The descriptive survey method was used and the main study instrument was a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Main Findings: Analysis of the gathered data to answer the main two questions in the study revealed that voluntary work has a significant role in improving the social capital and achieving sustainable development in the Saudi community. Novelty/Originality of this study: In light of these findings, this study showed the importance of urging people in charge to seriously take into consideration this vital issue related to voluntary work and provide all possible support to institutions of voluntary work in Saudi Arabia in order to help to spread the culture of voluntary work. Moreover, people in charge were recommended to view voluntary work from the perspective of its effective contribution to the development of the social capital and achievement of sustainable development within the community, rather than the perspective of voluntary work as a charitable action.