Crowdfunding: How and Why People Participate

Abstract

Purpose

We are interested in how and why people use or take part to crowdfunding projects.

Methodology/approach

Over the past four years, we have interviewed over 120 crowdfunding requesters and supporters of over 15 project types from dance to technology to publishing.

Findings

The key contributions of this research are: An understanding of the work involved, an understanding of motivations for participation, and an understanding of how the design of platforms influences engagement.

Originality/value

We adopt a computer-supported cooperative work approach from sociology, computer science, and design to provide a new perspective to researchers who seek to understand user behavior, motivations, and the mechanisms in place to support engagement with crowdfunding technology.

Citation

Gerber, L. and Hui, J. (2016), "Crowdfunding: How and Why People Participate", Méric, J., Maque, I. and Brabet, J. (Ed.) International Perspectives on Crowdfunding, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 37-64. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78560-315-020151003