Author(s): ZHANG, Y., NOH, Y., ZHOU, T., MAO, Y., LIU, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA, Country: MALAYSIA, Abstract-ID: 789

INTRODUCTION:
Volunteerism in sports events is a global phenomenon, impacting events from the Olympics to local competitions. Volunteerism in sports has been extensively studied, with a focus on Western contexts, leaving a research gap in non-Western perspectives, particularly in China. This study addresses this gap by translating and validating the Volunteer Motivations Scale for International Sporting Events (VMS-ISE) [1] in the context of the Chengdu 2021 World University Games, offering insights into volunteer motivations in Chinese sports events.
METHODS:
Phase I Translation of VMS-ISE: (1) Translated VMS-ISE into Chinese (VMS-ISE-Ch) with four interpreters. (2) Validated content with a panel of experts in sport psychology and volunteer management.
Phase II Adaptation of VMS-ISE-Ch: (1) Evaluated the unified VMS-ISE-Ch through a pilot study with 30 participants. (2) Conducted interviews to identify issues related to translation and cultural adaptation.
Phase III Validation of VMS-ISE-Ch: (1) Examined internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. (2) Utilized Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to assess its construct validity. (3) Revised the model based on cultural nuances and Modification Indices in AMOS.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis involved data cleaning, retaining 416 valid responses. Internal consistency reliability of VMS-ISE-Ch exhibited high reliability (α = 0.83 to 0.90). CFA results initially showed inadequate model fit, prompting the removal of specific items. Revised VMS-ISE-Ch demonstrated acceptable fit indices, confirming robust construct validity.
Discussion:
Comparison with prior studies reveals variations in translated versions, emphasizing the need for cultural specificity. Modifications to the VMS-ISE-Ch model improved overall fit, aligning with cultural expectations. Cultural differences and translation accuracy play pivotal roles in model fit, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural adaptation.
Conclusion:
The study successfully translated and validated the VMS-ISE-Ch, providing a reliable tool for understanding volunteer motivations in Chinese sports events. Recommendations for future research include exploring relationships between volunteer motivation and outcomes such as satisfaction, loyalty, and continued willingness to volunteer. Expansion of the sample to diverse volunteer groups is suggested for a more comprehensive understanding.

1 Bang, H., & Chelladurai, P. (2009). Development and validation of the volunteer motivations scale for international sporting events (VMS-ISE). International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 6(4), 332–350. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2009.030064