What motivates individuals or groups to engage in commons initiatives? A scoping review
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Who joins commons initiatives, and why? This paper presents a scoping review of 53 theoretical and empirical studies from 2004 to 2023, focusing on the sociodemographics of commoners and their individual and group motivations for joining. The review reveals that a wide range of people participate in commons initiatives for a variety of complex reasons. Their decision to join may be influenced by normative motives, such as biospheric values and feelings of ethical responsibility. They may be motivated by self-interest, such as positive outcome expectations, or by high self-efficacy beliefs and easy access to the initiative. In terms of group motivations for joining commons, we highlight social identity, collective efficacy beliefs, mutual support and reciprocity, collaborative decision-making, and trust. Applying a broad theoretical and geographical scope in our review enhanced our understanding of people who participate in commons initiatives in the Global North and South.
Date Issued
2026-04-30
Publication Type
Article
Subjects
commons
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motivations
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participation
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motivational theories
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community-based initiatives
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grassroots initiatives
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theory of planned behaviour
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value-belief norm model
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norm activation
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social identity
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Journal
Global Environmental Psychology
Publisher
PsychOpen
ISSN
2750-6630
Related URL(s)
https://doi.org/10.48620/84929
Access(Rights)
open.access