resources

These are links to articles and events that we find helpful and interesting, and that offer insight into the ways in which the psychological, social and economic aspects of behavior intersect.

Community as a Driver for Organizational Success
This is an article (PDF) by Sara Wedeman for the Journal of Association Leadership Winter 2006. Members' sense of community is the essential driver in an association's success and it is no longer enough to say we know community when we see it. Instead, association leaders need to know not only what it is but also how to measure it and how to foster it among members.

Ten Measures of a Successful Association Community (PDF)
This is an article Sara Wedeman wrote as part of the "Community as Strategy" research she led for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership. The study rigorously tested the hypothesis that a strong sense of community is vital to the health of all organizations--particularly those that are geographically distributed and depend on the voluntary commitment of resources, human and financial. Study results, based on approximately 21,000 responses, strongly supported the hypothesis. The article provides an overview of the results, lists the most important 'drivers' of the sense of community, and suggests how leaders can leverage them for maximum benefit to all concerned.

Looking for Sound Financial Advice? Look to Psychology
Behavioral economics helps people make better choices with their money, including saving for retirement. This is an article from the American Psychological Association, July 10, 2004.

When Browbeating Does Not Work
This is an article Sara Wedeman wrote based on work she did with financial services companies, who in the late ‘90’s were struggling with unprecedented levels of late payment and non-payment. It looks at “selling” the notion of paying one's credit card bills as an exercise in strategy and persuasion rather than a special case of law enforcement and punishment.

Maxed out: why do some succumb and others steer clear?
From the July 2004 APA Monitor, published online by the American Psychological Association, this article examines some of the psychological and attitudinal characteristics of people who get in over their heads with credit card debt. It offers interesting insights as well as some possible remedies.

Families' financial woes can foster child depression and disobedience
Also from the July 2004 APA Monitor, shows the extent to which financial circumstances and family life are interconnected.

Quotes
A few snippets, offering wisdom, insight and humor.