Keynote Speaker: David Horton Smith
Discussants: Tian Huiping, Xu Jun

Prof. Smith divided voluntary groups into two types which are Grassroots Associations and Paid-Staff Voluntary Groups and compared their similarities and differences.

Prof. Smith pointed out that similarities come from their sharing the same self regulation system and freedom within law. Their range of motion is restricted in limited area and Golden Mean is their conception. Prof. Smith also pointed out their differences: firstly and most importantly, Paid-Staff Voluntary Groups have stuff get paid; secondly, the first type of voluntary groups is highly democratic and their leaders are elected by staff but the second type of voluntary groups are relatively loose and their leaders are invited outside; thirdly, the first groups benefit their own staff but the second benefit outside members; lastly, the first type of voluntary groups emphasize on the structure and social status but the second type of voluntary groups emphasize on the employee talents.

Besides, Prof. Smith described how the modernization influences social groups. He thought that the industrialization not only promoted the development of economy but also promoted the modernization of people. Modernized people and modernized society promoted the development of non-profitable organizations.

April 1st, 2011