Titles as identity: applying self-determination theory to increase sponsorships by experienced private refugee sponsors in Canada

Chudleigh, Sarah (2024) Titles as identity: applying self-determination theory to increase sponsorships by experienced private refugee sponsors in Canada. Behavioural Public Policy. ISSN 2398-063X

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Abstract

Private refugee sponsorship is a desirable behaviour – it leads to positive outcomes for sponsors, refugees, the Canadian government and the general public. The most commonly reported motivations to sponsor are related to identity, including moral and national identity. Self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that identity is a strong intrinsic motivator; individuals who identify more strongly as a sponsor may be more intrinsically motivated to take on additional sponsorships. This proposed behavioural policy uses the components of SDT to design a certificate programme that bestows an official title on sponsors after completing a sponsorship. The certificate design reflects the three components of SDT (autonomy, competence and relatedness) and encourages moral and national incentives. Official titles are shown to increase identity with a role – titles act themselves as mechanisms of identity-building, which can lead to identity-motivated behaviours. The proposed certificate programme aligns with existing practices and resources already used by the Canadian government. It suggests that official titles could be a cost-effective mechanism for encouraging subsequent sponsorships.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioura...
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Social Policy
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology J Political Science > JL Political institutions (America except United States)
Date Deposited:	03 May 2024 14:03
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2024 04:10
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/122904

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