Coming to Get and Needing to Keep

Abstract

Membership associations for African-centered scholars, activists, and practitioners are viewed as relational communities that respond to the dynamic interplay of the needs and talents of its members. In this case study, quantitative methods examined, at the individual level, the role of psychological sense of community (PSOC),worldview, professional self-growth potential (PsGP), and participation of members in one membership association that espouses African-centered values. Data were collected via online and paperand-pencil surveys administered at the organization's annual conference. Findings indicated that for the entire sample age, PSOC and PsGP were significantly correlated with membership participation. While membership participation was unrelated to a shared worldview, factors that predicted it varied by membership status (student and nonstudent) and gender. For the student sample, PsGP was predictive of membership participation, but gender differences were undetected. However, for the nonstudent sample, age and PSOC were predictive of membership participation; but for males, only age was a significant predictor. Findings are discussed in relation to those factors that contribute to fostering active participation within membership associations for African-centered scholars.

To Engage or Not? Leading Scholar Memberships and Involvement in Hospitality and Tourism Associations

“…Respondents were also asked to indicate their level of involvement by selecting any relevant roles and services that they had performed. The ultimate list of association roles and services was based on the works of Chernow, Cooper, and Winston (2003) and of Chioneso and Brookins (2015).…”

“…Many potential benefits arise from joining professional associations and attending largescale conferences. These extend to professional development, such as advancing knowledge, enhancing skills, networking, connecting with colleagues, identifying employment opportunities, gaining financial resources, and developing professional identities (Chernow, Cooper, & Winston, 2003;Chioneso & Brookins, 2015;Cottrell, Girvan, & McKenzie, 2012;Escoffery, Kenzig, & Hyden, 2015;Harrison, 2010;Mata, Latham, & Ransome, 2010;Thomas, Inniss-Richter, Mata, Cottrell, 2013). A number of tourism and hospitality studies have examined the phenomenon of conference participation, with a particular focus on attendee motivations and decision-making, and have noted key purposes such as education, networking, career enhancement, and pursuing travel opportunities (e.g., Mair, 2010;Mair & Thompson, 2009;Oppermann & Chon, 1997;Ramirez, Laing, & Mair, 2013;Severt, Wang, Chen, & Breiter, 2007;Yoo & Chon, 2008;Zhang, Leung, & Qu, 2007).…”