Inter-organisational Relationships between Governmental Stakeholders in South African elite sport: Resource dependency and inter-organisational theoretical perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inter-organisational relationships between governmental stakeholders are critically important in the implementation of elite sport policies. However, these relationships are often compounded by varying challenges, which can cause a stagnation of elite sport policies and its systems. This study evaluated the perceptions of the inter-organisational partnership between provincial and national governmental sport stakeholders in South Africa. Data were collected by juxtaposing two theoretical frameworks namely; the resource dependency theory and the inter-organisational theory in a qualitative study. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis to apply inductive and deductive reasoning. The major results depicted a lack in clarity regarding the stakeholder roles and responsibilities, too many entities are involved in (elite) sport, and the lack of funding introduced power dynamics and inter-dependencies. The findings illustrated that problematic inter-organisational relationships can affect the effectiveness of elite sport policies. These results can be considered by policymakers when elite sport policies are reviewed.