Altruistic Behavior among Religious Believers: Does Religious Orientation Matter
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to explore the altruistic behavior among religious believers
using a phenomenological qualitative design. Purposive, non-probability sampling was used to
recruit participants. Data was collected from MMKC believers through In-depth interviews and
focus group discussions. Nine participants were selected for a semi-structured interview, followed
by two focus group discussions with six and seven members each. Five major themes emerged from
the thematic analysis: views and lived experiences, influence of religious orientations on altruistic
behavior, motive to altruistic behavior and challenges of altruistic behavior. The study found that
altruistic behavior is influenced by religious orientations, with convertees showing a higher degree
of altruistic behavior. The findings from this study could contribute to a more nuanced
understanding of the factors that influence altruism in different socio-demographic groups,
particularly within religious communities.
Key Words: Altruism, Religious orientation, Pro- social, Denomination, Church