Enhancing the goods of sport: conceptualizing metatheory of sport management

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question: The purpose of this perspective article is to explore the predominant assumptions that underpin research and teaching in the sport management field, while pointing out a direction toward which we think the field should be heading. Research methods: Our approach is guided by the few exemplary texts in our field that intend to conceptualize the phenomenon of sport and what it means to manage sport. Results and findings: We find that the continuous development of sport management as a field of study results from four interconnected assumptions: The one-sided representation of sport as a product and business; the depiction of sport stakeholders (e.g. athletes, staff, officials) as objects, not subjects; the notion of the fan as a consumer as the critical target of those managing sport and a technical and managerialist approach to management. Guided by the principles of autonomy, solidarity and responsibility, and based on two meta-dimensions, external and internal good, we present a metatheory texture and four quadrants of sport output to provide a reference for critical dialogue of the position and impact of our scholarly outputs. Implications: We conceptualize a meta-theoretical framework to direct further dialogue and development within the research community.