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

Keywords

associations, career, nonprofit management

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.

Publication Date

5-3-2013

Original Citation

Markova, G., Dickson, D.R., & Ford, R. C. (2013) Professional associations and members’ benefits: What is in it for me? Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 23 (4), 491-510.

Number of Pages

491-510

Document Type

Paper

Language

English

Source Title

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Volume

23

Issue

4

College

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Location

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

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