Great Expectations: A Critical Review of Interorganizational Relationships in Amateur Sport

Misener, K.; Babiak, K.; Jones, G.; Lindsey, I.

Abstract

The study of interorganizational relationships (IORs) in amateur sport has developed significantly over the past 30 years alongside rising expectations for multi-sector integration between sport organizations and other partners. This stems from sport organizations seeking innovative ways to achieve their mission and neoliberal government policies adding institutional pressure for interorganizational cooperation. This review paper discusses the wider cultural and political forces which shape the drive for legitimacy through partnerships across sector boundaries and outlines the theoretical influences on IOR research in amateur sport between economic and behavioral paradigms. In addition to considering how prevailing frameworks and findings inform the current body of knowledge in sport management, we critically reflect on implicit assumptions underpinning this work given that partnerships now saturate the discourse of sport management policy and practice. Our review questions whether reality lines up with our 'great expectations', and explores what limitations and opportunities remain for future IOR research in amateur sport.

Citation

Misener, K., Babiak, K., Jones, G., & Lindsey, I. (2022). Great Expectations: A Critical Review of Interorganizational Relationships in Amateur Sport. Journal of Sport Management, 36(3), 277-288. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2021-0240

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 2, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Apr 20, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Deposit Date: Mar 7, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 9, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Sport Management
• Print ISSN: 0888-4773
• Electronic ISSN: 1543-270X
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 277-288
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2021-0240
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1212121