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French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville once pointed out that “municipality in cities and towns and civic democracy were stable cornerstones for America’s democracy”. In consideration of Taiwan, the currently local counties and community development associations that with great exertion the government has been helping develop appear as though they are represented a bestowal of such a function. Accordingly, in order to obtain any clues from the inside of the process and to advance relevant practices for future reference; this research attempted to probe deep for participatory motive and behavior of each member and the relationship between these two factors from the meritorious communities of Taipei city.
In the practical process, the research was aimed at the districts of Peitou and Shihlin, for a study range. The surveys of members from the community development associations of Gichin, Chiyen, Lanya and Fujia were conducted respectively. 403 valid and usable surveys were retrieved among 500 surveys that were provided after estimation. A return rate was 80.6 percent. The results in the research are listed as follows:
1. Currently the majority of the population participating in community activities are married females, age 40 or older, who have resided locally for 10 years or more, with total monthly income of NT$80,001 or higher, in each household. The range of education is from vocational school, high school, junior college to university. The study found that most of them are retired housewives or unemployed, with less than 5 years participatory experience in community groups. The majority of females are traditionally folk custom worshippers or Buddhists.
2. The majority of the members participating are mainly altruistic in community activities. The greater part of them choose to receive information, pay close attention to environmental protection, organizing events, cultural news, folk custom, as well as volunteer service. Furthermore, the average member spends no more than approximately 5 hours per week, participating in community activities. Enhancement shall be pursued to make up slight inadequacy in the extent of participation.
3. A diversity of occupational classification shows a differential towards the egoistic motive for participation.
4. A diversity of gender, residency situation and seniority for participation in community activities shows a differential towards the way how a member participates.
5. A diversity of marital status and participatory experience in community groups shows a differential towards the extent of participation from the community members.
6. Despite residency situations and economic conditions, classification of the other population shows a deferential regarding community members’ participation time.
7. The community members’ participatory motive and behavior are relevant in the partial elements.
8. The method, extent and time of participation from the community members are relevant in the partial elements.
9. Part of the personal background and participatory motive of the community members influenced the way these members participate and the extent of their participation.
10.Part of the population background and participatory behavior of the community members could predict participatory motive of community members.
The 12 following suggestions in principal are brought up in the study, after obtaining a better understanding of the actual situation on the current participation in community activities – thus, it is expected for future reference to advance relevant practices.
1. Recruiting members in similar nature and characters can be a priority in the initial stage of founding. However, molding in the outer environment must be mainly considered in a long-term run.
2. Develop local education that students can be passionate about in schools.
3. “’Essential incentives” in the government’s policy.
4. Reinforce publicizing and marketing in community participation.
5. Bolster up the molding of subjects or topics.
6. Increase the insufficiency of healthcare stimulations.
7. Recruit altruistic members with an intention to strengthen activities for a purpose of altruism.
8. Carry out surveys of inclinations and expand a diversity of activities in order to meet individual’s needs.
9. Invigorate activities, such as environmental protection, organizing events, culture/folk custom and volunteer service.
10. Enhancing the dissemination of information in communities as well as attracting residents to participate enthusiastically.
11. Shorten the disparity between “self-cognition” and “actual behavior” in community members, in an attempt to achieve ‘the unity of knowing and doing’.
12. Through reshuffle of ‘working procedures’ and ‘duty distribution’, every community member can maintain within 5 hours per week for participation.
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