Title: Management in sport for development: examining the structure and processes of a sport diplomacy initiative

Authors: Marlene A. Dixon; Arden J. Anderson; Robert E. Baker; Pamela Hudson Baker; Craig Esherick

Addresses: TAMU Department of HLKN, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4243, College Station, TX 77843, USA ' TAMU Department of HLKN, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4243, College Station, TX 77843, USA ' George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Finley Building 208C, 4400 University Drive, MS 1F2, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA ' George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Finley Building 208C, 4400 University Drive, MS 1F2, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA ' George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Finley Building 208C, 4400 University Drive, MS 1F2, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Abstract: Sport continues to demonstrate an important role in bolstering the development of diplomatic, peace-building efforts through sport for development and peace (SDP) initiatives. Although many have claimed strong outcomes from their programs, these assessments rely on largely anecdotal evidence to support these claims. In particular, the literature has provided evidence of effectiveness for SDP programs, yet lacked the capacity to link specific active or passive program components to the outcomes and to frame those outcomes both theoretically and practically. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a theoretically guided case study of an SDP program and its activities to help support the analysis of mechanisms and processes toward program effectiveness. Based upon this analysis, theoretical implications and suggestions for future research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: sport for development; sport for development and peace; SDP; case study; management; sport diplomacy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2019.099787

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2019 Vol.19 No.3/4, pp.268 - 292

Received: 19 Aug 2017
Accepted: 11 Jun 2018
Published online: 22 May 2019 *

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