From the battlefield to the board room

As the use and availability of qualitative software analysis tools increase, so does ambiguity regarding the choice of the most appropriate software in sport management research. This paper uses NVivo and Leximancer to analyse the same set of data derived from interviews with sport management experts on high performance sport to showcase the differences in findings depending on the type of software used. The findings alert sport management and social science researchers to the importance of closely examining the choice of software for qualitative data analysis. Researchers may base their decision on aspects such as the type and size of data set, their competence and skills in data interpretation and the level of engagement with data analysis they plan on undertaking. This paper discusses the implications for researchers in the sport management field using these tools for data analysis and highlights the value that software can add to the research effort.

Collaboration between industry and academia is a subject of great interest to sport management academics and sport industry leaders in the United States. However, there is a lack of research regarding barriers to sport industry–academia collaborations and bridging the gap between sport management research and practitioners. The aim of the study was to explore trends in collaboration barriers among various research involvement levels of U.S. sport firms with sport management academia. Data were gathered from 303 sport managers working for U.S. sport companies. Results indicated several barriers for research collaborations between the U.S. sport industry and academia. Such barriers include transactional barriers, sport industry subsectors, sport organizations’ location, and age and education level of respondents.

Research question Research on service innovation in sport is not theoretically aligned with service innovation theory. To address this, we conduct an empirical study utilising major service innovation theoretical approaches. We address the question: How do nonprofit sport organisations engage in service innovation? Research methods We combine existing service innovation frameworks to guide service innovation research in the nonprofit sport context. We apply it in a qualitative study, collecting data via 20 semi-structured interviews with Australian golf club managers. Data analysis relied on an inductive–deductive strategy. Results and findings We found evidence for practices following service innovation archetypes, with a propensity for the output-based and process-based archetypes, and less evidence for the systemic and experiential service innovation archetypes. Service innovation practices centred on provision and representational practices and were less dependent on management and organisational practices. Implications First, we demonstrate the complementary nature of the dominant and diverging theoretical approaches to service innovation. Second, we propose and provide empirical support for a combined conceptual framework for analysing service innovation. Finally, our research provides concrete managerial recommendations for stimulating service innovation within organisations and beyond.

Understanding the concept of professionalisation in sport management research

The purpose of this research is to introduce and demonstrate the use of an adaptation of the established focus group research method, referred to as the sequential-funnel-based focus group design. This adaptation is described, developed, explained, and tested with an intention of adding to the rigor of the method's application and, by extension, rebranding focus group as a sound method of inquiry. To illustrate the method, the work used the topic of the value of social media as a relationship marketing medium through a conduct of eight focus groups of a three-phase design over a two-month period. An adaptation with increased rigor is proposed as a sound method of inquiry for sport management scholars. The value and challenges of the design is discussed, and an outline for its future use as a method in sport management is presented.

Big data and innovative research methods are two rapidly evolving trends that are transforming how we conduct research in sport management. Considering the natural relationship between social media, which is widely recognized as a major big-data source, and sport, this commentary centers on contemporary research method applied to social media data. In doing so, it discusses contemporary innovative techniques for social media data, focusing on exploring ways to access social media data, the natural language-processing techniques used, the challenges they address, the strengths and limitations of different techniques, and the ethical and privacy considerations associated with their use. Furthermore, the commentary demonstrates that using sentiment-analysis tools (e.g., Syuzhet, Bing, and AFFIN) is appropriate and efficient in analyzing sport’s social media data. Thus, a rigorous application of contemporary innovative techniques can significantly shape the future of sport management research. However, researchers must exercise caution when considering the source and preprocessing of the data prior to applying advanced analytical techniques.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (and the pandemic of capitalism, white supremacy, imperialism, colonialism, etc.) calls for imaginative, relevant, and critical approaches in sport management education to address diverse, socially, and culturally dynamic students. Yet, the bulk of existing educational resources remain rooted in reinforcing systems of domination and the structure of ongoing settler colonialism. A major challenge in traditional approaches to “updating” the curriculum fall short in challenging the banking mode of education. Following Amis and Silk’s call for a “rupture” of the reproduction of the status quo within sport management research, we invite sport management educators to reconsider the skills and embodied knowledge needed to equip sport management students to critically interrogate the “classroom-to-industry” pipeline. We introduce zine making as a pedagogical practice in the classroom. Zine making facilitates learning through a process of doing and thinking. When implemented intentionally, students explore their lived experiences, applying critical social theories to practice through shared learning and creative expression.

Much of the sport and leisure management literature on gender has assumed that increasing numbers of women in sport organisations will magically cure organisations of gender-related discrimination (Hoeber 2004). This is a limited approach, for three main reasons. First, as a consequence of this dominant focus on women, gender-related issues are perceived in sport organisations to be a minority, or women’s, concern, thus relegating gender relations to a women-only issue (Shaw and Hoeber 2003; Staurowsky 1996). Second, a focus on women limits our understanding of gender, as men can also face discrimination based on gendered assumptions (Ely and Meyerson 2000a). Finally, the increasing numbers of women in organisations represents a focus on outcome-based research, which encourages increased numbers of women but has little impact on changing the aspects of sport organisations that have made them inhospitable to women. For example, the second International Conference on Women and Sport in 2000 passed a resolution that urged ‘sports organisations … meet the goal of 10 minimum representation of women in decision-making positions by 31 December 2000 … and ensure that the 20 goal [of representation] for 2005 is maintained and attained’ (International Olympic Committee 2000). Despite the powerful and positive tone of this statement, and its sanction by the International Olympic Committee, little has changed within sport organisations over this period. Indeed, within the IOC itself, only 6 per cent of the overall membership and one out of ten Board members are female in 2005 (International Olympic Committee 2005).

ABSTRACTSport management as a field of study is necessarily context-bound but this has often meant that our research is seen as sector-specific and hence lacking the generality to merit publication in top academic journals. Yet our recognition of the importance of context means that sport management is well placed to provide research with real-world impact. And as national research evaluation programmes put greater emphasis on user-value in academic research, sport management has an opportunity to grow in stature both within academia as well as externally in the sports industry. Drawing on alternative policy models of research, particularly Stokes's concept of Pasteur's Quadrant, I propose a taxonomy of sport management research illustrated by specific examples. I argue that sport management needs to be more active in promoting evidence-based practice in sports organisations. I conclude with concrete proposals to improve the rigour and relevance of sport management research.

The desire of any organization is to have the entire staff working from the same playbook toward a common goal (i.e., “the championship”). Given individuals’ varying attitudes, beliefs, skills, and motivations, it’s a goal not easily achieved. Organizational Behavior in Sport Management, Second Edition, examines the individual, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational processes fundamental to working within sport organizations, placing equal emphasis on what managers need to understand about human behavior and what each employee brings to the workplace. This updated second edition blends classical research in the field of organizational behavior with the latest knowledge and best practices in the field of sport management. Organized into four major parts—“the championship”). Given individuals’ varying attitudes, beliefs, skills, and motivations, it’s a goal not easily achieved. Organizational Behavior in Sport Organizations, Managing the Individual, Managing the Group, and Managing the Organization—the text provides a foundational and contemporary examination of the inner workings of sport organizations. It offers a deep study of how all who work in sport organizations—whether they are administrators, executives, employees, players, coaches, or volunteers—operate independently, and it explores how these individuals interact with each other in the work setting. Highlighted throughout the text are recent examples of how COVID-19; social movements; remote work; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have changed the nature of work and moved organizations to place greater emphasis on employees’ individual needs, desires, interests, empowerment, and satisfaction in their roles. In addition, numerous real-life examples from sport organizations in the United States and throughout the world provide practical application and underscore key concepts. Each chapter features In the Boardroom sidebars, discussion questions, and a case study designed to help illustrate particular topics and facilitate focused discussion in class. The case studies are also included in the instructor guide for ease of assigning to students. New to this edition, a test package, chapter quizzes, and presentation package will aid in classroom preparation. Organizational Behavior in Sport Management answers the key questions of why people do what they do at work, why others behave as they do, and how a person’s interpretation of events and behaviors is subject to their own biases. Students will gain an understanding of the most important organizational behavior concepts and a glimpse of how they might see themselves functioning in a sport organization today.

The history of sports is generally one of the masculine domination. That’s why women in sports have been a topic completely ignored by most scholars in Pakistan. The paramount purpose of this study was to find out the attitude of parents which are having influence on the female participation in sports so that a realistic standard programme for their increased participation in sports is assured. The findings of the study suggested that the parental attitude was having a significant influence in moving female participation in sports.

The importance of team brand associations in sport management research is well documented, but the formation and stability of these associations has not been investigated. The current research tested the development, change, and predictive ability of brand associations over time. Longitudinal quantitative data were collected from consumers of a new Australian Football League (AFL) team (N = 169) at 3 points in time. One-sample t-tests revealed that brand associations had developed through marketing communications and the launch of the team before the team had played its first AFL game. Repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance and latent growth modeling showed that brand associations changed over time, reflecting consumers’ experiences with the team. A cross-lagged panel model highlighted that brand associations influenced consumer loyalty in the future. Consequently, sport managers are provided with insights on the development of and change in brand associations that new consumers link with sport teams.

This study aimed to explore the factors that affect the severity and number of sports injuries among Korean sports participants in their 20s and 30s. The data of 5118 lifestyle and professional athletes in their 20s and 30s were collected from a sports safety survey conducted by the Korea Sports Safety Foundation in 2019. The characteristics of the study population were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Determinants of injury severity and frequency based on participants' sex were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. The results show that among male sports participants, the type of athlete, knowledge of first aids, the physical condition, completing safety education, the skill level, and checking environmental factors were associated with injury severity. Among female sports participants, the type of athlete, the physical condition, performing finishing exercises, completing safety education, and the skill level were associated with injury severity. Additionally, among male sports participants, physical condition, completing safety education, skill level, participating in exercises according to one's fitness level, and having an awareness of accident prevention methods were associated with injury frequency. Lastly, among female sports participants, drinking water during scheduled breaks, carrying water to stay hydrated, physical condition, completing safety education, and skill level were associated with injury frequency. Furthermore, being a lifestyle athlete, being in good physical condition, and having beginner or intermediate skills in one's sport reduced injury severity among Korean sports participants in their 20s and 30s. Being in good physical condition, not completing safety education, and having beginner skills in one's sport reduced the injury frequency among Korean sports participants in their 20s and 30s. These findings suggest that lifestyle and professional athletes should be aware of these factors and participate in sports activities in a manner that reduces injury severity and frequency. Moreover, these factors should be considered when developing strategies to prevent sport injuries in lifestyle and professional athletes and allow them to participate in sports activities safely.

A central issue within sport management is the extent to which the field should develop a distinctive theoretical knowledge base. This paper empirically investigates the connectedness within (intrafield) and between (interfield) management and sport management disciplines in one specific knowledge domain—institutional theory. We utilized a database of 188 sport-related institutional studies and conducted a citation network analysis of the aggregated reference lists from these articles. We argue that the fields of management and sport management act like “ships in the night.” That is, as the field of sport management has become more distinctive, the field is becoming less connected with general management literature and contemporary theoretical discussions. Potential implications for sport management scholarship and understanding the nature of the field are discussed, along with how it may be possible (if desired) to bridge the gap between sport and management research.

The Sports Management Toolkit is a practical guide to the most important management tools and techniques available to those working in the sport and leisure industries. Designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, it includes ten free-standing chapters, each of which provides a detailed introduction to best practice in one of the core sports management disciplines. Written in a clear and straightforward style, and free of management jargon, the book covers all the key functional areas of contemporary sports management, including: marketing performance management risk management human resource management project management finance. Each chapter includes a detailed, step-by-step description of the key tools and techniques and their application; a ‘real world’ case study to demonstrate the technique in action, plus an extensive guide to further resources and a series of self-test questions. The final chapter offers an extended, integrated case-study, demonstrating how all the key management techniques are combined within the everyday operation of a successful sport or leisure organization. This book is essential reading for all students of sport and leisure management, and for all managers looking to improve their professional practice.