Defining Core Positive Behaviours

Defining Core Positive Behaviours is the foundational process of identifying and codifying the specific, valuable member actions that contribute to the health, growth, and overall success of an online community. It serves as the strategic bedrock for any member recognition programme, moving beyond generic appreciation to systematically encourage actions that align with the community's purpose and the organisation's goals. This process involves translating desired cultural norms and strategic objectives into a clear, observable, and measurable set of behaviours that can be consistently identified and rewarded.

Why it matters — Defining Core Positive Behaviours

The act of defining what is valued in a community is one of the most powerful levers a community professional can pull. Without a clear definition, recognition can become arbitrary, rewarding the loudest voices rather than the most valuable contributors. This can inadvertently foster a culture of low-quality, high-volume posting and discourage thoughtful, deeper engagement.

A well-defined set of positive behaviours provides several key benefits: