Goals Quote by Anonymous
““The Krishnas' resolution was brilliant. They switched to a fund-raising tactic that made it unnecessary for target persons to have positive feelings toward the fund-raisers. They began to employ a donation-request procedure that engaged the rule for reciprocation, which, as demonstrated by the Regan study, is strong enough to overcome the factor of dislike for the requester. The new strategy still involves the solicitation of contributions in public places with much pedestrian traffic (airports are a favorite), but now, before a donation is requested, the target person is given a "gift"—a book (usually the Bhagavad Gita), the Back to Godhead magazine of the Society, or, in the most cost-effective version, a flower. The unsuspecting passerby who suddenly finds a flower pressed into his hands or pinned to his jacket is under no circumstances allowed to give it back, even if he asserts that he does not want it. "No, it is our gift to you," says the solicitor, refusing to accept it. Only after the Krishna member has thus brought the force of the reciprocation rule to bear on the situation is the target asked to provide a contribution to the Society. This benefactor-before-beggar strategy has been wildly successful for the Hare Krishna Society, producing large-scale economic gains and funding the ownership of temples, businesses, houses, and property””
About This Quote
Source Case Study: Hare Krishna fundraising tactics, 1970s–1980s field
A givinggift before beggar” approach uses reciprocity to increase donations, even when recipients dislike the solicitors.
In simple terms: Give a small gift to trigger a feeling of obligation before asking for money.
Use reciprocity to improve fundraising outcomes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public spaces
- airport solicitations
- charity events
- religious outreach
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to leverage reciprocity in this way?
- How might recipients react if they recognize the tactic?
Ethical concerns about manipulation; effectiveness may wane with awareness.