Factors related to Helping Behavior (Case Study: Guilan Welfare Organization)

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the reduction of citizens' helping behavior with the welfare organization. Method: This study was performed by descriptive method and ex-post facto design.  Data were collected from 408 citizens 20 years and older in Guilan province. Samples were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. Measurement tools were: Adult Trust Scale; Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale; Norm of Reciprocity Scale; Social Network Index; Social Responsibility Questionnaire; Sense of Empathy Questionnaire; Revised Citizen Participation in Decision Making Questionnaire; Organizational Transparency Questionnaire; Awareness of Cooperation Methods and Level of Cooperation Questionnaire. Findings: Significant differences between individuals with poor, moderate and high helping in terms of social trust; Social support; Social networks and ties; norm of reciprocity; Norm of social responsibility; sense of empathy; Belief in not involving citizens in the decisions of the Welfare Organization; Citizens' awareness of cooperation methods; Belief in the lack of transparency in the performance of the welfare organization; and altruistic behavior was observed. Discussion: Inadequacies in social variables act as risk factors for reducing cooperation with the welfare organization. It is necessary to take intervention measures to strengthen psychosocial variables in order to improve the level of cooperation of citizens.