ANALYSIS OF FACTORS BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF A MODERN COMMUNITY CENTRE/CLUB IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Community centres/clubs have long existed in our society. They have by far been effective in bridging the communication gap between the government and people and in promoting social cohesion among the different races. There is however not much research done to assess the degree of goal attainment of specific community centre Researchers faced several methodological and data constraints in trying to assess the degree of success of specific community centres/clubs. Though the People's Association, has set out specific performance measures or indices to assess the performance of community centres/clubs, such performance measures are deemed confidential by the People's Association It was found in the study that modern community centres/clubs could achieve success if they have the facilities, dedicated volunteers and staff to organise activities for the people they serve. Community centres/clubs that aspired to win the People's Association awards should focus on the types and nature of the activities organised. It is important that activities organised should be popular and include the participation of different ethnic groups. Certain physical attributes such as location and cleanliness of a community centre/club are also important in attracting participation. The high correlation between the views of Punggol Community Club's management and its participants has shown that the Community Centre/Club Management Committee, members are able to respond to participant's demand and expectations of the club. This is achieved through a close and friendly relationship between Community Centre/Club Management Committee members, staff and participants of Punggol Community Club