Process for fostering “enjoyment” that leads to the continuation of activities by members of NPOs engaged in community welfare and community design

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the process of fostering enjoyment that leads to sustained member participation within NPOs engaged in community welfare and community design activities. A secondary analysis of the results of the interview survey on the factors that contribute to the continuation of activities by the organization's members was conducted to understand and analyze the content of “enjoyment” and the factors that support it. Analysis revealed that “enjoyment” comprises the following elements: the acceptance of free, novel activities based on interest and curiosity; avoiding excessive expectations of public elements in private activities; and the presence of loose connections. It become clear that fostering “enjoyment” involves a cyclical process: starting with the approval of free, new activities based on interest and curiosity, it evolves into a sense of fulfillment and learning, then into a community ethos that supports community design, and finally reinforces the approval of free, new activities based on interest and curiosity.