Incentives for resident and organizer participation in China: a study based on a participation training project in Foshan

This study investigates the dynamics of public participation in community renewal projects within the socio-cultural context in China. Using the Mutual Incentives Theory (MIT) and the Participation Chain theory, this research identifies and prioritizes the key motivations that drive residents’ and organizers’ engagement. The key findings indicate that personal interests, shared goals, and a sense of community are pivotal for initial participation. Notably, the study introduces a motivational hierarchy, suggesting that incentives evolve as participation progresses, which aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The research contributes to the theoretical background of public participation and offers a framework adaptable to other cultural settings. It also provides practical implications for policymakers and practitioners by recommending targeted strategies to enhance participation across different stages of community renewal projects. A limitation of the study is its single-case design and small sample size, which may limit the statistical robustness of the findings. Future research should aim to employ objective measures with a larger and more diverse sample.