The level of enthusiasm maintained by grassroots participants is directly related to the strength of management support for the program. If support is not perceived as strong at the beginning, then initial recruitment and the zeal of those who do sign up will both be low. Later on, if management's support is seen as faltering, then motivation and participation will drop accordingly.
Strong support is needed in both voluntary and incentive programs.
In the case of the latter, if performance criteria built into position descriptions are met but inadequately recognized and rewarded, that sends out a bad signal to everyone involved. In voluntary programs, continuing demonstrations of management's backing for grassroots involvement are all the more critical. Policy and Budget Support - written policies widely disseminated throughout the university, as well as the financial and personnel resources needed to make the program work. The latter includes assuring that university middle managers foster and promote the grassroots effort among their subordinates. Vocal Endorsements - exhorting participation at university meetings and events, as well as frequent President articles in behalf of the program in internal university publications.