The roles of donation experience and advocacy: extending the organization–donor relationship model
Journal of Communication Management
ISSN: 1363-254X
Article publication date: 18 December 2020
Issue publication date: 8 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the stakeholder’s experiences of two key groups: donors and donor-volunteers. The goals of this study are to (1) determine how donor experience affects organization–public relationships (OPRs) and its antecedents for these two groups and (2) extend the OPR model by considering new potential supportive behavioral intentions arising from OPR outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from a survey of self-identified donors and donor-volunteers, multiple regressions were performed to establish the possible effects of experience and advocacy on OPRs.
Findings
Findings of this study support the idea that donation experience can be considered a potential antecedent for the OPR. The findings also support the idea that advocacy can be a valuable behavioral outcome resulting from OPR.
Practical implications
Nonprofits are ever seeking to better connect with their donor and volunteer supporters. This study helps to show the value of donation experience and the importance of cultivating advocacy behaviors among these supporters.
Originality/value
The study seeks to merge extant theory in communications and public policy to better understand the OPR model. Specifically, connecting OPR to the antecedent of donor experience and behavioral intentions like advocacy will help paint a stronger picture of donor–volunteer relationships with nonprofits.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication provided financial support for this study.
Citation
Harrison, V., Buckley, C. and Xiao, A. (2021), "The roles of donation experience and advocacy: extending the organization–donor relationship model", Journal of Communication Management, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 85-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCOM-06-2020-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited