Emerald | Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal | Table of Contents

CORRUPTION: A BIG THREAT TO SPORT, A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR RESEARCHERS

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Simon Chadwick) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Australian Football League: ‘Home Advantage’, ‘Umpire Bias’ or Both?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (John Watson) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This study sought to clarify potentially conflicting results from two prior studies examining the ‘home advantage’, and possible ‘umpire bias’, in the Australian Football League (AFL).Design/methodology/approach - Using categorical regression analysis, and controlling for team ability, the number of free kicks awarded to/against each AFL team during the home and away season of 2006 was investigated. Findings - The findings support previous research suggesting home teams generally win more often and receive more favourable treatment from umpires. However, for games involving both a Victorian and a non-Victorian team there is clear evidence of ‘umpire bias’ (beyond the traditional ‘home advantage’) operating against non-Victorian teams.Research limitations/implications - A major limitation of this study is that it only considers the number of free kicks awarded and not where, or when, those free kicks are awarded.Practical implications - The findings suggest that the AFL should seriously consider appointing neutral umpires for all games (particularly those involving a Victorian and non-Victorian team) and establishing an independent panel to oversee the development and selection of AFL umpires.Originality/value - This is the first study of potential 'bias' in the AFL that controls for team ability and, as such, helps to reconcile conflicting conclusions from two prior studies.

Fan Involvement in a Professional Sport Team’s Decision Making

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - In an era where a growing segment of fantasy league participating and video game playing sport consumers has become more interested in managing individual major league players than in following the fortunes of actual major league teams, North American major league attendance is dropping. We argue that team management could keep their attention, strengthen the team-fan bond, and increase attendance and overall revenue, by giving their fans input into decisions related to the team’s on-field, on-court, or on-ice management.Design/methodology/approach - This paper chronicles the rise of fantasy sport and sport video game participation and argues that a new breed of sport consumer is emerging that values managing sport over spectating. Previous attempts by teams to give fans input into management decisions are outlined and critiqued. Findings - It is suggested that teams wishing to increase the team identification and attendance frequency of these management-centric consumers should use technology to establish a platform whereby dues-paying members vote on team-related management issues. Utilizing a members-only webpage for some votes will encourage the growth of a geographically diverse fan base, while utilizing in-stadium hand-held wireless technology for other votes will encourage game attendance. Originality/value - This paper has value to marketers of professional sport who are constantly searching for ways to increase fan identification and sell tickets. It also has value to sport fan academics by suggesting that traditional conceptualizations of the team-fan bond may be becoming outdated in an era where a new generation of sport consumers is becoming increasingly player-focused and management-centric.

Professional football clubs and corporate social responsibility

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The subject of CSR is nowadays widely discussed, as is its relevance to the sport entertainment industry. The objective of this research was to investigate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions in the professional European football league and its impact on clubs’ brand image. Design/methodology/approach - The first part of this research discusses some particular points of the world's biggest sport entertainment, which is soccer. Then a definition of the meaning of CSR for this particular sector will be outlined. The CSR values adopted by sport clubs are observed in first division football in France. This approach has been combined with brand theories. Findings - The specific research protocol evaluates consumers’ perceptions. The method which is developed measures and analyses the impact of CSR commitment on spectators' brand perception. In linking CSR to brand image, two managerial viewpoints are discussed. CSR is synonymous with a company's social and ethical commitment. Brand theories outline the nature of brand equity. We apply these two complementary considerations to professional football clubs and argue that Keller’s model (1993) of customer based brand equity has to be reconsidered for football clubs. Practical implications - Our research highlights that CSR has to become part of management strategies. Originality/value - We draw attention to the argument that the professional sport entertainment industry requires a specific CSR management strategy which goes beyond the local level or the operational level of one single club. These clubs have to perform well in competition. But, as in no other industry, they have also to be "good" brands.

Impact of Consumer Involvement, Emotions, and Attitude toward Beijing Olympic Games on Branding Effectiveness of Event Sponsors

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Luke Lunhua Mao, James J. Zhang) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Sponsorship has undeniably become one of the fastest growing global marketing practices. Business corporations seek sponsorship opportunities to actualize their overall organizational objectives, marketing goals, and promotional strategies, particularly to enhance brand equity. This study examined the influence of consumers’ involvement, emotions, and attitude toward Beijing Olympic Games on the branding effects of the event. Design/methodology/approach - Participants (N=556) were university students in China who had watched at least some coverage of Beijing Olympic Games. Two duplicate versions of a questionnaire were formulated and respondents were randomly selected to evaluate perceived branding effects of Beijing Olympic Games to be sponsored by two brands--Li-Ning and Nongfu Spring Water. Findings - An analysis of the structural model, relating brand loyalty, perceived quality, and brand association/awareness to respondent’s involvement, emotional responses, and attitude toward the event, revealed that the proposed model fit the data well (CFI=0.96, TLI=0.98, RMSEA=0.048, WRMR=0.93). The findings revealed that branding effects were positively associated with consumer’s attitude toward the sponsored event, which was partially determined by consumer’s involvement and emotions. Originality/value - This study examined the relationships among respondent’s affective and cognitive involvement, negative and positive emotional responses, and attitude toward the Beijing Olympic Games on the perceived branding effects of event sponsorship.

Assets and Obstacles: An analysis of OUA hockey from the coaches' perspective

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The passion of Canadians for ice hockey is well documented; however, university teams in Canada are routinely ignored by consumers and the media. Our goal was to better understand the context in which Ontario university hockey struggles and to address the theoretical question of how best to examine and evaluate the problems of sport specific organizations. Using the Value Dynamics Framework (VDF), the purpose of this paper was to examine whether or not this framework fits well with the realities facing not-for-profit OUA hockey teams, and if not, to create a framework specific to these teams.Design/methodology/approach - Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 of the 19 (77%) OUA hockey coaches during the 2010/2011 hockey season. The interview guide was drawn from the VDF elements and enabled the researchers to understand not-for-profit organizational assets, including physical, financial, employee/supplier, customer, and organizational. Findings - This paper offers empirical insights about the assets and obstacles facing the OUA hockey league and its teams. For example, players, coaches, affiliation with universities, and the hockey product are noted assets. Obstacles for strategic growth include arenas, suppliers, media attention, financial sustainability, parity with other leagues in Canada, and leadership. The VDF proved a useful foil to suggest that we need something that more accurately represents sport management specific situations.Research limitations/implications - The main limitation of this study is that it lacks generalizability. Although motivated to better understand not-for-profit sport in general, our model is specific to OUA men’s hockey teams. However, our OUA hockey team-specific revised VDF does provide insights into the assets available to coaches, and also acknowledges the corresponding challenges or obstacles surrounding the asset classes in the context of OUA hockey. Practical implications - This paper provides an approach towards making a more generalizable not-for-profit sport model that could help explain the success (or lack of success) of such organizations.Originality/value - This study addresses a need to develop a framework to examine and evaluate not-for-profit sport specific organizations, such as the teams in the OUA.