The activist/administrative crossover: Improving administrative participation by utilizing civic and political activists

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between civic and political activists and administrative participation. Current activists can provide insights into factors that may influence the likelihood of their participating in administrative functions and decision making. The objective was to identify these factors, as well as to determine sociological and motivational forces in their participation.;Theoretical framework. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the research foundations of Democratic Theory. Sociological and historical elements were also applied.;Methodology. The subjects of this exploratory study were 75 people who were members of a political or civic group within Los Angeles County. The quantitative survey instrument consisted of 19 questions which each respondent voluntarily completed while at a regularly scheduled group meeting with the researcher present.;Findings. A substantial portion of activists have participated in administrative volunteer opportunities, and a large portion of civic and political activists are willing to participate in administrative volunteer opportunities. Socialization tends to influence different forms of participation. The research also indicated that participation tends to be issues-driven more than through efficacy or social motives.;Conclusions and recommendations. The data confirmed that participation tends to be habitual, and that many people often participate in numerous groups simultaneously. It also demonstrates a possibility by administrative agencies to make use of civic and political groups to maintain a source of administrative volunteers. Administrative participation could be issues driven. Further research which identifies which issues people are most interested in and additional recruitment methods are also recommended.