Types of Human Capital as a Legacy from Olympic Games Hosting

Abstract

One of intangible legacies mega events have is the acquisition and development of knowledge and skills (i.e., human capital) while working to deliver the Olympic Games. What is unknown in the literature is human capital types that are created from having worked for such event. This study explored the dimensions of human capital generated from working for a mega event and how these dimensions are used after the event to enhance the legacy outcomes derived from the Games. Semi-structured interviews with seventeen employees from the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games were conducted and analyzed. Findings yielded four main human capital dimensions: (a) network cultivation, (b) teamwork/interpersonal relationship skills, (c) adaptability/flexibility, and (d) Olympic level skillset. Theoretical implications relate to conceptualization of human capital dimensions, while practical implications include suggestions related to effective utilization of knowledge in sport and non-sport contexts generated from working at the Games.