THE CHALLENGE OF RETAINING PERSONNEL IN MAJOR SPORT EVENT ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

This research studies two major sport event organizations and explores the specialized approaches used to retain personnel for the purpose of a major sport event. The analysis was based on data obtained from semistructured interviews with managers at the Australian Open Tennis Championships (AOTC) and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix (AFOGP). Analysis of the data revealed that due to the nature of these events, a customized retention process for various personnel categories during the different stages of an event cycle was appropriate. Of particular concern was the need for tailored retention strategies for full-time personnel in the first couple of months after an event, and for seasonal personnel in between events. Consequently, modifications to the generic retention management practices were suggested, in order to cater for the special demands of major sport events. Strategies were developed from these research findings that should improve the management of personnel retention at the AOTC and AFOGP. The strategies build upon the present body of literature in this field, and should have application in other major sport event organizations