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Working for the Common Good: Individuals and Groups Address the Challenges Facing the World

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For the Greater Good of All

Part of the book series: Jepson Studies in Leadership ((JSL))

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Abstract

How and why do people become actively involved in doing good for others and for society by taking action to respond to social problems? Such involvement in social action can take the form of participation in volunteerism and philanthropy, community groups and neighborhood organizations, and social activism and political movements. In this chapter, I draw on coordinated programs of basic and applied research that help to explain why some people become involved in social action, what sustains their involvement over time, and the consequences of such action for individuals and for society. Then, in concluding remarks, I note the relevance of this research for social policy issues of affecting individuals and society, as well as possible contributions of the social sciences to the functioning of society.

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Authors
  1. Mark Snyder
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Editor information

Donelson R. Forsyth Crystal L. Hoyt

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© 2011 Donelson R. Forsyth and Crystal L. Hoyt

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Snyder, M. (2011). Working for the Common Good: Individuals and Groups Address the Challenges Facing the World. In: Forsyth, D.R., Hoyt, C.L. (eds) For the Greater Good of All. Jepson Studies in Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230116269_10

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