Professional Associations and Members' Benefits: What's in It for Me?

    Authors

    G. Markova; R. C. Ford; D. R. Dickson;T. M. Bohn

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Nonprofit Manag. Leadersh.

    Keywords

    associations; career; nonprofit management; VOLUNTARY-ASSOCIATIONS; ORGANIZATION; IDENTIFICATION; COMMITMENT; IDENTITY; PARTICIPATION; Management; Public Administration

    Abstract

    In this study we examine reasons that professionals become and remain members of professional associations. We looked at tangible and symbolic benefits that an association can provide to attract members. Satisfaction with these benefits was linked to overall membership satisfaction and intent to renew the membership. We also considered the role of customer service in shaping members' attitudes. Based on the responses of 1,980 members of a large international accounting association, we found that members who were satisfied with their benefits and with the quality of customer service reported higher membership satisfaction and intent to renew. We also found that professionals who were more involved in the association were more satisfied with it. Contrary to predictions, younger professionals were less concerned with the value of the benefits of membership. As expected, longer-tenured members were more likely to consider maintaining their memberships. We conclude with a discussion of practical and research implications for the management of professional associations.

    Journal Title

    Nonprofit Management & Leadership

    Volume

    23

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    491

    Last Page

    510

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000320175300006

    ISSN

    1048-6682

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