How Canadian High-Performance Coaches Adopt and Implement Technology: Exploring the Antecedents of Intra- and Interorganizational Trust, Technological Proficiency, and Subjective Norms and Social Influence on Technology Adoption

Abstract

Technological innovation has been shown to make meaningful impacts across several aspects of high-performance sport. Although the literature on technology adoption and implementation is vast, currently very little exists on the coach’s perspective in this regard. This investigation explored Canadian high-performance sport coaches and their relationship with technology adoption. Eleven coaches from both summer and winter National Sport Organizations were interviewed using a semistructured format. Three thematic categories were identified. First, intra- and interorganizational trust showed that coaches valued being aware and informed of any planned changes, and that educating them on technology adoption was important for gaining their participation. Second, coaches mentioned that they took the time to search for and build a fully functional technology, and valued collaboration among their peers for sharing technology-based knowledge. Finally, many of these high-performance coaches also depended upon their relationships to mentor coaches or other coaches in the field to identify and apply new technology. The outcome of this research may provide insight into shaping future policies to help sport coaches get access to the technology that more directly meets their needs.