Date
4-29-2026
Department
School of Communication and the Arts
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)
Chair
Robert K. Mott
Keywords
organizational communication, four flows theory, membership associations
Disciplines
Communication
Recommended Citation
Kanellis, Anthony, "A Quantitative Study of the Four Flows in Membership Communication in Military-Related Associations" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8199.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8199
Abstract
Membership associations can play a significant role in individuals’ lives by providing access to others with shared interests and a sense of belonging. Military and veteran associations enjoyed significant membership and participation in the past. Baby Boomers dropped their membership as they retired and shifted their interests. Subsequent generations do not seem as inclined to join, are digital savvy, and want to see a clear value proposition before they join an organization. There is a lack of evidence-based research into understanding how veterans reach their decision on whether to join a membership association. Grounded in the membership negotiation flow of the four flows communication theory, this study surveyed veterans to understand the content, frequency, connection, and attributes they think, feel, and believe are important for a veterans' membership organization to provide to their members and the ways they like to receive their communication. Over 1,000 veterans participated in a digital survey, and across all age groups, 69.4% said an association’s communication was somewhat or extremely important in their overall interest in becoming a member.
