The relevance of participation Behavior, organizational Commitment, and attitudinal loyalty to the management of professional associations

•In professional associations it is necessary that members feel committed to their association.•Participation behavior affect both the perceived value and the membership commitment.•When a member has a high attitudinal loyalty to a professional association, he recommends it.•Higher attitudinal loyalty also implies a higher capital value of the members.•Organizational commitment and attitudinal loyalty mediate perceived value-intention to use link.