An examination of helping behavior—some evidence from Australia

This paper examines whether variables included in existing models of helping behavior (also referred to giving behavior), as developed in the US and Europe, apply in Australia. The results of two focus groups suggest that variables included in these models generally do apply to the Australian context, however, some differences also exist. First, donors perceive that governmental support of charities in Australia is high and thus causes are perceived to be less likely to need individual support. Second, respondents placed more emphasis on intrinsic variables as compared to extrinsic variables. Third, the emphasis placed on the importance of factors influencing helping behavior in Australia seems to differ to what is suggested in the existing literature. A discussion highlighting differences and similarities between the qualitative findings and previous works are presented. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to model building and managerial implications in an Australian context are also identified.