Toward a Communication Model for the Socialization of Voluntary Members

Because most socialization/assimilation research focuses on employment as the primary membership role in groups and organizations, the accompanying models have failed to consider the unique characteristics of voluntary membership. In addition, those models have been criticized for being too linear a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communication monographs 2011-06, Vol.78 (2), p.233-255
Main Author: Kramer, Michael W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assimilation
Associations
Bona Fide Group Perspective
Boundaries
Communication
Employment
Family
Membership
Memberships
Socialization
Socialization/Assimilation
Voluntary Members
Work Groups
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Summary:Because most socialization/assimilation research focuses on employment as the primary membership role in groups and organizations, the accompanying models have failed to consider the unique characteristics of voluntary membership. In addition, those models have been criticized for being too linear and based on concepts of organizations as containers. Using principles of the bona fide group perspective and a case study, this paper develops a model that emphasizes the unique characteristics of the socialization of voluntary members. The multilevel model also examines how membership in various other groups, such as work and family, influence and interact with individuals' voluntary memberships. With a focus on communication, the model emphasizes the fluid process of voluntary associations in organizations with ambiguous boundaries.
ISSN:0363-7751
1479-5787
DOI:10.1080/03637751.2011.564640