Abstract
Lubricant and/or glue? The role of social network sites in voluntary sports clubs Although almost every voluntary sports club (VSC) in the Netherlands facilitates one or more social network sites (SNSs), the impact on attitude and behaviour of members is under researched. Our study aims to examine whether members’ use of organizational social network sites of their sports clubs (ClubSNS use) is a mediating factor for (1) supporting the sports club, and (2) continuing membership. Building on research among runners, we conducted a conceptual replication study of Mahan III, Seo, Jordan and Funk (2015). Results from a survey among members of voluntary sports clubs (n = 1009) revealed that ClubSNS use was a mediator to supportive and loyal membership. This research demonstrates the theoretical potential of organizational SNSs for activating and retaining members. Furthermore, practical implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
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