An Analysis

Abstract

This case study, analyzing issue involvement of a community association, poses the questions: Given limited resources, how does a community association limit its involvement in issues? How are decisions made? Does the association represent the community?

To gather data researchers combine their observation of participants and attitudinal surveys. They identify two frequently conflicting segments of the community and measure the issues that interest both groups. These findings are compared with interest and action taken by the community association. Issues on which no action was taken, as well as those on which action was taken, are analyzed.

Conclusions: that the association membership, drawn from one segment of the community, is responsive to that segment’s interests. Association leadership, although attitudinally between the two segments, takes action consistent with the segment comprised of most of the membership. The type of issue, saliency, and timing also limit action. The association appears to act in reaction to a situation, rather than in anticipation of long term needs and goals.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sue Ann Allen

Ms. Allen is on the faculty of the Women’s Resource Center of Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan. She holds an M.S. in Community Development from the Department of Regional and Community Affairs, the University of Missouri. The author acknowledges the contribution made by members and leaders of the Bailey Community Association. Without their cooperation this study could not have been made.