The economic and social benefits synonymous with the sport industry have been well documented (Dalziel, 2011; Shilbury, Deane & Kellet, 2006). However it has become apparent that many of the organisations responsible for the delivery and development of sport within many countries have grossly underperformed and continue to do so. This study identifies and focuses upon fundamental performance dimensions that impact upon non-profit sport organisations (NPSOs) and explores ways in which these entities can manage and overcome specific performance challenges, to facilitate their prosper as key social institutions within society. The emphasis on NPSOs is justified in the first instance as it is they that represent the primary means of offering sporting opportunities and competition for citizens of a state. Thus state sport agencies and nationa1 governing bodies (NGBs) represent the principle foci of this research study whilst a comparative analysis is utilised, deploying a qualitative case study methodology, to analyse performance within selected organisations. The organisations that are afforded most attention emerge from Ireland and New Zealand; however, secondary case study organisations from other selected countries are also examined and key lessons from their governance and function drawn upon. Following a thorough review of the extant literature relating to performance management in the traditional business and sport management environments, the general tools, systems and processes that are available for use when managing organisational and individual performances within non-profit sport organisations are identified. This is followed by a more detailed examination of the literature around issues of governance, finance and industry participation. The case study organisations, referred to above, are then analysed to assess their use of traditional performance management practices, the management of selected performance dimensions and an identification of any root causes explaining underperfonnance within any of the organisations highlighted in the study. The findings of this research reveal that NPSOs have not yet fully engaged with performance management practices and, most notably within the focus afforded the situation in Ireland, in some cases there is a complete absence of any form of systematic and or identified organisational performance appraisal in place. Furthermore, the manner in which individual performance (including the performances of volunteers) finance, and participation (i.e. by the end users) are managed remains, by any international comparison, largely inadequate amongst many of the organisations addressed in this research study. Outdated and flawed governance structures are identified as the primary explanation for the often spectacular underperfonnance of these organisations with little prospect of immediate recovery for most. This has created a percolating effect within all levels of these organisations with performance failures being identified along several key organisational and performance dimensions. Consequently, the results of this study largely focus on the evaluation and re-structuring of current governance practices within NPSO bodies, specifically within the countries highlighted within this study.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:593882 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | O'Boyle, Ian |
| Publisher | University of Ulster |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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