Sport Organizations Research Articles

Corporate social responsibility: the key to improving brand equity and reputation for local sports associations in Islamic countries

Purpose Attracting resources (financial and non-financial), supporters and the community’s attention to sports and physical activity has become essential for local sports associations (LSAs). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are innovative and less imitable tools for strengthening relationships with customers (Lim et al., 2018), and there needs to be relevant research on CSR and the variables discussed in this study at the level of small sports organizations. Moreover, past research has focused on professional sports organizations in developed and non-Islamic countries. So, the following research questions are: What is the influence of CSR initiatives on the organizational reputation, brand equity and customer satisfaction of LSAs operating in the context of recreational sports, particularly in Islamic developing countries, and how does this relationship evolve within the framework of small sports organizations? Design/methodology/approach Participants (n = 290) consisted of all customers who used the services of LSAs in the Islamic Republic of Iran). This research seeks to measure the relationship between variables within a causal model based on structural equation modeling. Findings This study critically examines the connection between CSR, customer satisfaction, organizational reputation and brand equity in LSAs. This study presents a model that explores how CSR influences customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity in LSAs in developing countries. Research limitations/implications Consequently, customers are likely to feel more satisfied with LSAs that demonstrate a commitment to CSR, and this leads to evaluations of the organization’s reputation and brand equity, ultimately resulting in outcomes for them. Originality/value This research presents a comprehensive theoretical model that examines the relationship between CSR, customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity of LSAs in developing Islamic countries. LSAs must understand and recognize customer interests in social issues and their response to various CSR programs.

Good practice in sport science and medicine: perceptions of leaders on support and management of practitioners and teams

ABSTRACT The evaluation and delivery of good practice in the provision of Sport Science and Medicine (SSM) is clearly of interest and importance – with applied research, both anecdotal and empirical, that is burgeoning. However, no literature to date explores the role of the organisation and leader in supporting those striving to deliver good practice. The primary aim of this investigation is to explore the perceptions of experienced high-level leaders in the leadership, direction and operation of SSM practitioners and teams. A mixed methods modified Delphi technique, with three stages of investigation – a quantitative survey, individual interviews, and focus group discussions, was undertaken with 13 leaders of high-performance sport organisations in Europe and Australasia. This approach allowed expert consensus to be arrived at on a set of theoretically underpinned principles applicable to the pan regional support of good practice. A plethora of principles are offered relating to three core areas of support: organisational requirements; leadership; and practitioners´ skills and development. Importantly, a number of operational considerations for application are captured, including the impact of situational context in determining the focus and core elements of support required. Findings are particularly relevant for those leading SSM delivery – with a well led, organised and supported approach seemingly enabling good practice. In addition, results offer further empirical support to the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, non-technical skill sets and relevant development opportunities for the practitioner. Overall, we hope the principles derived offer a practical starting point for those engaged in SSM provision.

THE ROLE OF FUTSAL COACH LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FEMALE FUTSAL ATHLETES AT THE UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN OF INDONESIA

The achievement of an achievement in the field of sports organization is essentially an accumulative result of various aspects/elements that support the realization of achievement. A leadership style is essential for an organization to improve athletes' achievements, while organizational support is also important in an organization's efforts to improve achievements, as well as to improve its performance. This study has a purpose to find out the role of futsal coach leadership style and organizational support for the achievements of Indonesian Christian University Women's UKOM athletes. The data analysis method used in this study is qualitative descriptive. The study used primary data and secondary data that researchers collected through observation, interviews and documentation. After obtaining the required data, researchers use the validity of the data, which is source triangulation, proving that the research done is actually scientific research and to test the data that has been obtained. The result of the study is that the role of the leadership style of the coach that the leadership style has a very large role to the achievements of athletes and the support of the Indonesian Christian University Futsal Women's UKOM organization is very influential to the achievements of athletes. The leadership style applied to this organization is the authoritarian leadership style combined with democratic leadership style, in addition to the leadership style applied, there is organizational support given by UKOM Futsal Putri Christian University Indonesia more prominently in the field of justice. Keywords: Athlete’s achievement, Leadership Style, Organizational Support

Why Is My Team Wearing Rainbow Jerseys? Exploring Effects of DEI Messages on Sports Fans’ Responses

The current research explores the impact of fans’ team identification on their emotional responses towards diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by sporting organisations. Using the theoretical lens of Construal Level Theory (CLT), two experimental studies were conducted in Australia ( n = 386) and the US ( n = 402) to understand how fans’ level of team identification and the framing of communication by sporting organisations influence their emotional responses. The findings suggest that fans with low levels of team identification are more likely to feel disgust towards abstract reasoning for DEI initiatives and are more likely to abandon their support for the team. In contrast, fans with high levels of team identification were less likely to feel disgust and less likely to abandon their support for the team. These results have important implications for both theory and practice. Theoretical implications of this research suggest that CLT can provide a useful framework for understanding the emotional responses of fans towards DEI initiatives. The findings also support previous research suggesting team identification is an important predictor of fan behaviour. Practical implications of this research suggest that sports marketers and organisations should carefully consider their communication strategies when promoting DEI initiatives.

Current issues of training specialists in the field of physical culture and sports in European countries

The issue of training specialists in the field of physical culture and sports in European countries is becoming increasingly important due to various geopolitical, cultural, and political challenges of our time. The aim of this study was to examine contemporary trends in the training of specialists within the field of physical culture and sports, to identify both pedagogical and global challenges that these specialists face, and to explore potential solutions to address these challenges effectively. The study employed a combination of analytical, descriptive, and theoretical methods, analyzing reports and documents on the quality and challenges faced by European educational institutions and sports organizations. The findings highlighted the need to improve the overall state of development of physical culture and sports in European countries based on the principles of innovative pedagogical activity, effective management, and international cooperation. Additionally, these results can serve as theoretical, methodological, and practical resources for further research on the policies and training of specialists in physical culture and sports both in Europe and globally.

The Impact of Digital Media on Sports Management

The objectives of this research study were (1) to analyze the transformative impact of digital media on sports management practice in Chengdu, (2) to explore the integration of digital platforms and the adoption of advanced technologies in the sports industry, and (3) to identify the challenges faced in the digital age. This hybrid research study employed a combination of quantitative data from online surveys, qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, and content analysis. The research involved different stakeholder groups in Chengdu’s sports industry, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective on the utilization of digital media in sports management. Major Findings/Results: (1) The field of sports management in Chengdu has significantly shifted towards digital media, with digital platforms playing a pivotal role in fan participation, marketing strategies, and brand building. Personalized and interactive content has become increasingly preferred by consumers. (2) The study highlighted the importance of advanced technologies such as AI, VR, and 5G in enhancing fan experience and operational efficiency in the sports industry. (3) Key challenges identified include digital rights management, online content regulation, and maintaining fan engagement in a competitive digital landscape. The comparative analysis with global trends revealed both unique and common digital sports management practices in Chengdu. The study underscored the necessity for sports organizations to adapt to the evolving digital environment while considering ethical and regulatory aspects. This research contributes to the academic discourse on sports management in the digital age, offering valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers. It underscores the transformative role of digital media in sports management and advocates for innovative strategies, cultural sensitivity, and ethical integrity in Chengdu’s digital sports landscape.

Creating optimally safe and enjoyable youth sporting experiences within the United Kingdom

Considering recent research and reports, much attention has been given to understanding and addressing issues of abuse in sport. Similarly, attention has been given to enhancing children’s psychosocial experiences within sport. However, to-date, consideration of these two elements together, that is minimising abuse and enhancing enjoyment, has been minimal. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to explore perceptions of the process through which an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience can be created for young people. A Straussian grounded theory methodology was used to develop a substantive theory detailing the process through which an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience is created for young people in sport. Interviews were conducted with 19 young people, six parents, nine coaches, and five individuals in safeguarding roles. The interviews were analysed through open and axial coding, followed by theoretical integration. The resultant theory highlighted that establishing positive relationships between all young people and key individuals in a physically and developmentally safe environment was a fundamental requirement for fostering an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience. Achieving this required consideration of factors both in the immediate and broad sporting context. Specifically, support from sports organisations, access to continuing professional development opportunities, and a network of safeguarding experts are required in the broader environment. While within the immediate sporting environment, visibly displayed and appropriately implemented safeguarding policies and procedures; open, honest, and respectful interactions; shared goals and expectations between parents, coaches, and young people, and; trusting and supportive friendships with shared experiences are required.

The influence of athletes' gratitude on burnout: the sequential mediating roles of the coach-athlete relationship and hope.

Athlete burnout is a widespread psychological syndrome in competitive sports, negatively impacts athletes' competitive state and hampers the healthy development of sports organizations. With the rise of positive psychology, exploring the mechanisms of athlete psychological fatigue through the lens of psychological capital has become a focal point of recent research. This study introduces gratitude, a key element of psychological capital in positive psychology, to examine its effect on athlete burnout and its mechanism of action, with a particular focus on the sequential mediating roles of the coach-athlete relationship (CAR) and hope. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, involving 483 active Chinese athletes from national training teams and professional sports teams. The sample comprised both male (n=251) and female (n=232) athletes, with an average age of 19.24 ± 3.99 years. Participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, including the Gratitude Questionnaire, CAR Questionnaire, Hope Questionnaire, and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling in AMOS 24.0 and descriptive statistics and correlation analyses in SPSS 20.0 were employed for data analysis. The study revealed significant associations between athlete gratitude, CAR, hope, and athlete burnout. Notably, gratitude was found to both directly and indirectly (via CAR and hope) influence burnout levels among athletes, suggesting a sequential mediation effect. The findings highlight the importance of positive psychological constructs in buffering against athlete burnout. Specifically, gratitude, alongside a supportive CAR and elevated levels of hope, may play crucial roles in mitigating burnout symptoms. These insights offer promising directions for the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed at fostering athlete well-being and performance, advocating for the integration of positive psychology principles in the management and prevention of athlete burnout.

Business strategy of for-profit-oriented sports enterprises in Hungary

AbstractMany sports organisations operate as non-profits, but the emphasis and role of for-profits in this sector cannot be avoided. Today, sports activities are connected to the business sector and generate profit, hence, sports sector is a decisive part of the economy. Sport profile companies differ in their organisational strategy formulation approach. The main focus was to learn more about their strategy approach and market behaviour. 350 sports business organisations were involved in a survey of 3,248 companies, and the Chi-square test, variance analysis, and principal component analysis were applied to the sample. Results showed that 75.7% of the responding sports companies had no written strategic plan. The availability of written strategies seemed to depend on the organisation's scale. The market-following behaviour was confirmed in the case of smaller sports enterprises. Fitness service providers appeared to follow a market-leading behaviour. Growth, investment, and development naturally emerged as essential factors for companies with higher sales revenue and operating sports facilities, and they were relatively less important in sports goods production and trade. Most of the results showed that in the sports business sector, large-scale organisations focus on strategic-related issues more than other players in the industry.

Gender Stereotypes and Discrimination in Sports and Esports Industry: A Systemic Review of Causes and Statistics

There are many inequalities existing in our world, including gender inequality and race inequality. These inequalities are caused by discrimination and stereotypes. In sports industry, the problem of gender discrimination and stereotypes is common. Female athletes and women who want to work in sport industry are confronting the problem of gender discrimination and stereotypes. In addition, a rising industry, esports industry, has the same problem. The aim of this study was to review the current state of gender discrimination and stereotypes in sports industry and causes of it. This paper reviews relevant references to give a holistic review of the current state of gender discrimination and stereotypes in sports industry, including statistics and background information, and this paper reviews the causes of this problem from macro-level, meso-level, and micro-level. The findings of this paper indicated that although sports organizations gave policies that seem to solve the problem, gender discrimination and stereotypes still exist in both sports and esports industry. Therefore, by examining the causes of the problem of gender discrimination and stereotypes in sports industry, future study can be more targeted while they are investigating the way to solve the problem.

Opportunities to Increase the Resilience of Sports Organisations Through Risk Management

In today's highly globalised world, organisations face a range of risks and challenges on a daily basis. Much of this is determined by the environment in which organisations do business and operate. With the rapid development of sport as a phenomenon of modern times, the impact of such an environment on the business of sport organisations is growing. Thus, in order to meet their objectives, sports organisations are forced to look for ways and tools that will enable them to face new challenges and survive in such an environment. This study will therefore focus on the analysis of the current state of the sports sector, the analysis of the significant influences acting on sports organisations and the importance of implementing elements of risk management in the field of sports business as an important tool for increasing the resilience of sports organisations. The aim is to create a framework overview of the current state of the issue and to identify opportunities for improving the resilience of sports organisations. By being prepared to face future risks, it is possible to ensure the sustainable development of sport organisations, which represent a significant social and economic position in contemporary society.

Current Trends, Forecasts, and Risks of the Sports Industry in the World and in Slovakia

The essence of the paper is to present the results of the analysis of current trends, forecasts, and risks of the sports industry in the world and in Slovakia, which are the basis for the solution of a scientific project in Slovakia. The processed results are based on the analysis of different views on current changes, trends, and problems in the sports industry in the world. Other results represent the identification of strategic risks of the concept of sports development in Slovakia from the established six strategic pillars point of view. The benefit of the paper is to participate in the developing discussion about the direction of the sports industry not only in Slovakia but also in the world. The authors of the paper want to contribute to raising awareness about the effective management of sports organizations and their impact on the entire society. Also, increase interest in prevention and paying more attention to risk management in sports organizations.

Assessing Social Relationship and Network Strength among Sports Organizations and Athletes: A Study on Rajshahi City Corporation

In countries like Bangladesh, people often do not consider sports as a viable career option, which is why they tend to avoid it. However, nowadays people are becoming more advanced in both body and mind. In this scenario, the level of social interaction should increase between sports organizations and athletes. The aim of this study is to examine the level of relationship between sports organizations and athletes through empirical research that uses both qualitative and quantitative data. The researchers have collected primary data through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions from a sample of 102 individuals, including 91 athletes and 11 club authorities. The main outcome of this research is that many social development initiatives were undertaken by sports organizations, which brought all the athletes together and formed an incredible social relationship among them.

When calling and overwork climate collide: the effect on burnout and intention to change careers

ABSTRACT Research Question Working within one’s calling provides individuals with several work-related benefits, while an overwork climate negatively impacts employees’ work experience. How do the concepts interact, especially within an industry where both exist within the workplace? The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of living a calling and experiencing overwork climate on negative work-related behaviors of sport employees. Additionally, the study examined how overwork climate mitigated these relationships. Research Methods Data were collected from employees working in NCAA Division I, II, and III athletic departments (n = 4522). Our survey included instruments assessing vocational calling, overwork climate, burnout, and intention to change careers. The data were then analyzed utilizing simple and multiple linear regression. Results and Findings Results indicated that sport employees living their calling are more career committed and resistant to burnout. However, when those who are living their calling are faced with an overwork climate, they experience increased burnout and intent to change careers. Implications These findings support the dual outcomes of calling proposed in the Work As Calling Theoretical Model. The findings also provide practical implications for sport employers and organizations in high-calling, high-demand settings. Particularly, sport managers are faced with employing a high number of called employees within the industry but resisting the urge to push their work commitment beyond an acceptable threshold, therefore exposing employees to greater burnout and willingness to change their careers.

How might we do it better? Applying educational curriculum theory and practice in talent development environments

ABSTRACT Although Talent Development is a key function for sports organisations, too little work has focused on the establishment of evidence-grounded methods for optimising progress. Drawing principally on the work of Tyler (1949) and Kelly (2009), our aim is to examine constructs from the field of curriculum studies to establish a range of educational concepts and frameworks that would support talent pathway coaches. Using four fundamental questions concerning curriculum design suggested by Tyler (1949) as a frame, i.e. purpose, content, methods or procedures, and evaluation, we present a range of tangible and robust frameworks and ideas that might be applied to talent pathways. Additionally, we have found accordance between several concepts from curriculum theory and practice and existing practices within talent development pathways. Having an awareness of when and where congruency exists would afford practitioners and scholars the opportunity to refine and cultivate more coherent, purposeful and justifiable talent development environments.

Beyond Gates and Metal Detectors

Innovation is of vital importance in professional sport organizations, with various segments and departments catering to diverse managerial functions. While previous research has focused on ticketing, marketing, and event management, the critical aspect of security and intelligence in sports requires further exploration. With the safety of fans, players, coaches, staff, and the local community at stake, security and intelligence play a paramount role. The current research addresses the literature gap pertaining to cybersecurity through in-depth interviews involving 12 participants from major U.S. professional sports leagues and the cybersecurity industry, delving into physical security, personnel security, and cybersecurity domains.The results of the study highlighted an overall awareness and success in physical and personnel security, but also revealed a concerning deficiency in the understanding of cybersecurity threats. This shortfall emphasizes the pressing need for innovative cybersecurity solutions in the sport industry to ensure the integrity and safety of professional sport organizations in a complex environment. Through such innovative approaches, professional sport organizations can enhance their ability to effectively combat cybersecurity challenges, safeguarding their operations and protecting all stakeholders involved.

Корпоративные отношения и спортивные организации: постановка проблемы

The article is dedicated to the problem of the establishment of grounds to acknowledge some sports organizations as corporations and whether it is appropriate to make a link between sports rules and corporate life, corporate relations. To that effect, the author analyzes sports relations and singles out such legal relations as: organizational, servicing and primary that are related to direct participation in a sports event, where the essence of competitions is revealed. Attention is paid to the fact that Russian sports federations are legally defined as public organizations, and sports clubs may have various forms of incorporation and may be not corporations, however, the analysis shows that they are usually established in the form of public associations or economic entities. Attributes and types of corporations are reviewed. A conclusion is made that any expressions that contain reference to corporations should stipulate that a corporation is an organization, where membership of founders of a legal entity is maintained, and a general meeting of members is the supreme governing body.

Modernization of the organizational structure of the North Caucasus tourism cluster

To develop a modernized model of the architecture of the tourist cluster of the North Caucasus Federal District in modern economic realities, taking into account the multifaceted tourism potential of the territory, including opportunities for the development of skiing tourism, as well as sanatorium‐resort recreation with a combination of business visits, cultural and historical excursions, organisation of sports, events and other niche types of tourism. The study was carried out by modeling based on the analysis of data on the natural, historical, socio‐cultural features of the North Caucasus, as well as on the assessment of socio‐economic indicators of the tourism industry over the past five years.The study indicates that for the effective development and promotion of the tourist cluster of the North Caucasus Federal District, it is necessary to expand the range of services provided from homogeneous skiing tourism to multidirectional initiatives, combining the synergetic effect of deepening technological ties and cooperation of residents of the tourist cluster regions.The introduction of a matrix model of a tourism cluster of the North Caucasus in the management of the activities and marketing promotion of the tourism industry in the southern region of Russia would make the North Caucasus an outstanding centre of tourist attraction, a worthy competitor of world tourist resorts.

Sustainability, the Athens Marathon and Greece’s sport event sector: lessons of resilience, social innovation and the urban commons

Increasingly, a confluence of challenging global forces have precipitated sport sector change. While responses vary, a discernible trend has been the growing extents to which sport organisations and events have transcended typical participatory, performance and/or spectator focused logistics and embraced social responsibility acts that embed sport more deeply into communities. These manoeuvres have also become fundamental to organisation and sector capacity building and sustainability. Accordingly, this paper examines the example set by the Athens Marathon, Greece’s leading sport sector entity, towards sustainable event development through its strengthened volunteer and civil society practices and stakeholder relationships. Drawing data from key Athens Marathon informants and building upon conceptual models of sustainability that emphasise the interplay of resilience, social innovation and an urban commons, we demonstrate how the Athens Marathon affords a useful exemplar of how key organisational events may inform sustainability and sector strengthening.

More than sports? A study of Norwegians’ opinions on sports’ social and political responsibilities

Sports are criticised for their lack of social and political responsibility. In this study, I ask people about the extent to which they think it is important that sports should be sociopolitically responsible regarding ten issues: health, social communities, gender, racism, integration of minorities, sexual orientation, social inequality, disabilities, doping, and the environment. Next, I investigate how people’s opinions vary according to their social backgrounds, affiliation with sports, and political party voting. The study is based on a survey of a representative sample of Norwegians (N = 1,131, age 18–79, response rate 26%). I analyse data using simple relative frequencies and logistic regression models. I build a theoretical framework based on various issues’ closeness to sports’ and how politically contested they are. I found that many Norwegians think it is ‘very important’ for sports to be sociopolitically responsible − 80% (most) saying this for doping and 47% (least) doing so for the environment. Women demand more sociopolitical responsibility for sports than men, and those affiliated with sports state that health and social relations should be issues for sports and political orientations influence the view on politically contested issues. The support for sports being sociopolitically responsible could indicate a potential for sports to be involved in social and political issues. How sports organisations meet these challenges will influence sports’ capacity to recruit volunteers, political legitimacy, and ability to attract commercial sponsors.