Craig M. Ross

Generational differences and job satisfaction in leisure services

Generational differences in the workplace have been studied in a wide variety of settings, yet not in recreation settings. Currently, there are three generations ensconced in the workplace (i.e. Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y), with the leading edge of Boomers on the cusp of retirement and a second wave of Generation Yers attempting to find jobs. This study investigated attitudes toward job satisfaction of different generational cohorts in campus recreational sports settings. The results showed attitude differences toward job satisfaction in three areas: (1) working conditions; (2) work and environment; and (3) resources and employee benefits. Overall, Baby Boomer subjects were more satisfied with their jobs than the two younger generations, and there were no statistically significant differences in overall job satisfaction between Generations X and Y. Management implications of the study results are discussed.

Using Past Campus Recreational Sports Participation to Explain Current Physical Activity Levels of Alumni

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the role of past recreational sports involvement during the college years in explaining current physical activity patterns in college alumni. Subjects (n = 311) completed a mailed questionnaire about their current physical activity levels and past campus recreational sports participation that measured (1) the breadth, depth, and quality of past recreational sports involvement and (2) the current level of exercise or physical activity. Overall, the results of the study revealed that over 77% of the respondents agreed that their involvement in recreational sports during college positively influenced their current physical activity levels. Increasing both the depth and breadth of physical activity for students while in college, and more importantly, beyond the college years, is an important goal for campus recreational sports programs.

Components of partnership agreements in municipal parks and recreation

This research examines the relationships between parks and recreation agencies and outside agencies as they pertain to partnership agreements. A number of municipal parks and recreation departments were contacted and solicited for documentation of the various partnership agreements they have with outside agencies to fulfill their programming, sponsorships, and operating goals. In addition to partnership documentation, parks and recreation professionals were contacted and researched to clarify standards that are in place, specific agreement needs, criteria used, and overall processes. This study sought to identify universal components needed in creating partnership agreements, as well as components that are unique to specific types of partnerships. Partnerships are a very powerful tool in the field of parks and recreation in that they help alleviate costs, provide more recreational opportunities, and allow for new opportunities for all parties involved such as sport facility construction and professional sport team affiliation. The research assisted in the development and formulation of key components for best practice partnership agreements that may be considered between parks and recreation departments/districts, professional associations, and outside agencies.

Career Paths of Campus Recreational Sport Directors

The purpose of this study was to examine the job profiles and career paths taken by directors in campus recreational sport. Using a Web-based survey of 52 closed-ended and 2 open-ended items, the study results provided a rich overview of the perceptions, issues, and patterns that 145 current directors identified as relevant factors contributing to successful career paths in campus recreational sport administration. Overall, the results of the study revealed that future campus recreational sport directors must gain diverse practical experiences, be actively involved in professional organizations, learn how to network effectively with professionals both at the institutional and nationwide levels, and be passionate about recreational sport management.

Mail versus web questionnaires in municipal recreation settings: a comparative study of survey methodology.

Abstract The World Wide Web (Web) provides a tremendous resource for gathering information. Recreation and leisure service providers as well as researchers in recreation can take advantage of the Web by implementing web‐based questionnaires to gather data. A comparative study between the traditional postal‐mail and the web‐based methods was conducted using a sample of municipal recreation administrators. While there were no significant differences in response rates of the two groups, there were comparable differences in terms of response time, cost, preparation time, and subjects’ perceived comfort level. Implications of the findings as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.

An assessment of proximity of fitness facilities and equipment and actual perceived usage by undergraduate university students: a pilot study.

This pilot study examined the relationship between proximity of fitness facilities and equipment and actual perceived usage by undergraduate students at a Division I university, while acknowledging the role that Social Cognitive Theory plays in fitness. As a pilot study, the primary purpose was to gauge whether the study design and instruments used were appropriate for the overall purpose. Intensity of exercise, frequency of exercise, length of physical activity sessions, as well as a variety of other constructs were analyzed through correlational analysis to determine significance. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and the Perceived Environments Related to Physical Activity Questionnaire were modified for data collection. Findings of the pilot study revealed no significance in the proximity of fitness facilities and the amount of physical activity participation. However, the frequency of physical activity was significantly related to the availability of fitness equipment in an individuals home. Data collected from this study will be used to conduct further research on wider populations to investigate the proximity of fitness facilities and its correlation with physical activity.

Physical Activity Among Community College Students

This exploratory study provides insight into the perceived physical activity levels of students attending a Midwestern 2-year community college. Over 60% of respondents were classified as overweight or obese based on a BMI measurement. The majority of respondents were not participating regularly in physical activity to gain any health benefits, even though 65% indicated they were currently physically active. Although 50% of the respondents indicated they were regularly physically active, only one fifth were meeting the minimum guidelines for physical activity. However, respondents indicated a willingness to make changes to increase physical activity. Future planning of recreational sports programs and facilities is important for engaging and enhancing students in greater levels of physical activity.

Using the theory of planned behaviour to predict leisure educators' intentions to use instructional technology.

Abstract The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991b) was applied to the prediction and explanation of the intention to use instructional technology by using a mail questionnaire (n = 406) of leisure educators in the United States and Canada. Based on structural equation modeling, it was found that the key determinants of the TPB, attitude toward instructional technology, subjective norm toward instructional technology, and perceived behavioural control toward instructional technology accounted for 50% of the leisure educators’ intention to use instructional technology. The strongest predictor of intention was attitude toward instructional technology, followed by subjective norm toward instructional technology and perceived behavioural control toward instructional technology. The findings provide insight into faculty members’ intention to develop and use instructional technology.