Using reinforcement-based methods to enhance membership recruitment in a volunteer organization.

Herndon, E. J., & Mikulas, W. L. (1996). Using reinforcement-based methods to enhance membership recruitment in a volunteer organization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 577-580.

The present study employed reinforcement-based methods to induce existing members to recruit new members to join a chamber of commerce. Three interventions took place during June and July of 3 successive years. The investigators trained chamber leaders to use reinforcement methods (e.g., contingent tokens) to reinforce recruitment and dues collections. All three interventions produced substantial increases in their targets.

DESCRIPTORS: behavioral community psychology, membership recruiting, reinforcement, token reinforcement