Abstract:
The study examined the intentional use of National Sport Organizations' (NSOs) stated
values. Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS) was applied to an Appreciative
Inquiry (AI) approach of interviewing NSO senior leaders. One intention of this research
was to foster a connection between academia and practitioners, and in so doing highlight
the gap between values inaction and values-in-action. Data were collected from nine
NSOs through multiple-case studies analysis of interview transcripts, websites, and
constitutional statements. Results indicated that while the NSOs operated from a
Management by Objectives (MBO) approach they were interested in exploring how
Management by Values (MBV) might improve their organization's performance. Eleven
themes from the case studies analysis contributed to the development of a framework.
The 4-1 framework described how an NSO can progress through different stages by
becoming more intentional in how they use their values. Another finding included
deepening our understanding of how values are experienced within the NSO and then
transferred across the entire sport. Participants also spoke about the tension that arises
among their NSO' s values as well as the dominant values held by funding agents. This
clash of values needs to be addressed before the tension escalates. Finally, participants
expressed a desire to learn more about how values can be used more intentionally to
further their organization's purpose. As such, strategies for intentionally leveraging
values are also suggested. Further research should explore how helpful the 4-1 framework
can be to NSOs leaders who are in the process of identifying or renewing their
organization's values.
