Papers: Research Findings

Associations and Their Journals: A Search for an "Official" Voice

The shift from occupation to profession has been analyzed as a series of steps or stages. Among those frequently identified are the founding of a professional association and the existence of professional journals. In reviewing the published histories of 40 professional associations, it was discovered that many professional journals existed before the association was established. Yet eventually, the associations all gained ownershiyp and control. Eight vignettes help reveal how and why the organizations sought ownership in an effort to secure control over the body of knowledge. To read more, click here.     

A Must Read from the William E. Smith Institute for Association Management

Generations and the Future of Association Participation   

The William E. Smith Institute conducted a study in 2006 to examine whether generation X and Y workers  (adults born since 1965) will be as interested in joining or participating in membership-based organizations. "Using the largest and most comprehensive datasets available on civic life, this study compares membership rates of several generations; uses it to predict membership from 2005 to 2015." This study, led by Arthur C. Brooks, Ph.D. (currently of the American Enterprise Institute)  is worthy of your attention.