Practice theory and examining and managing sport and leisure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose This paper introduces practice theory to sport and leisure management to conceptualize how technology is integrated and changes everyday organization life, and how it can perpetuate or bring an end to unfair and discriminatory practices in sport. Design/Methodology/Approach This paper explores methodological approaches to practice theory, while also introducing several strategy-as-practice studies that could be reproduced in sport and leisure management research settings. Findings Researchers can look to the strategy-as-practice in management and organization studies to conduct future practice-based research, since it offers a way to understand an organization’s strategy and interactions between people and technology. Practical Implications A practice-theory approach allows sport and leisure managers to understand the relationships between individuals and the changing technologies that may influence how they manage across various issues, from safety of youth athletes online, the effect of big data and analytics on professional sports, and opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Research Contributions A limitation to the practice-based approach is that it is not unified, which can dissuade researchers. This paper proposes a value-added conceptual research agenda with accompanying research methods that can provide a roadmap for sport and leisure scholars to effectively use practice theory to study organizational change.