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Impact of Formal Organization Characteristics on Active Membership in Voluntary Associations

2014; Academy of Management; Volume: 2014; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5465/ambpp.2014.12581abstract

2376-7197

Sonja Graf, Markus Gmuer,

Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

Active member participation is the behavioural expression of social capital within voluntary associations and is a critical resource for the maintenance and effectiveness of the associations. Although the key role of active participation within these organizations is recognized, little research has been done so far on the link between certain formal characteristics of a membership association and the level of activity of its members. Based on a sample of 430 members from three national organizations within Mensa International reporting there active participation levels it was found that the perceived level of specialization, standardization, centralization, and learning opportunities significantly explains the variance found in individual participation in the associations' activities, even if organizational commitment and individual restrictions are controlled. The results also show important differences between the three countries (Germany, Serbia and Hungary) that are discussed in the light of national norms and values.