Professional associations in the health industry

Purpose - This national study of 540 executives in the health industry was designed to examine organizational factors which influenced participation of male and female executives in their professional associations. Instrumental and expressive factors which influenced association membership were also analyzed by gender to assess preferences for specific membership benefits.Design methodology approach - Survey methodology was used in this study with questionnaires mailed to 1,680 executives in the US resulting in a response rate of 32.1 percent. Dreher and Ash's mentoring scale was used to analyze preference for specific instrumental and expressive benefits.Findings - Dues posed an organizational barrier to participation in a professional association for female executives. Gender differences also influenced the type of instrumental and expressive benefits desired by executives.Research limitations implications - Future studies should explore multiple association relationships to assess if there are structural or professional factors which contribute to particular network constellations.Originality value - Few studies focused on organizational barriers or key benefits that may affect participation in professional associations.