Antecedents of Engagement within Online Sharing Economy Communities

Abstract

In this article, the authors’ study focused on the role of community engagement in online sharing economy communities, which have become increasingly popular. Drawing on social psychology insights, a research model was proposed to explore and analyze community engagement as a multidimensional concept that takes on various forms of action in different contexts. The study then examined the factors that influence community engagement, such as community identification and relationship commitment. By surveying 432 users of online sharing communities, the researchers found that their hypotheses were supported, providing insights into the motivations that drive consumers to participate in sharing economy communities. This study is relevant for managers of online sharing communities seeking to understand the factors that encourage user engagement.