Hagen Wäsche

Regional Sports Tourism Networks: A Conceptual Framework

Sports tourism is a widespread phenomenon with significant social, economic and ecological impacts. However, on an academic level sports tourism is a relatively new field of research. As a consequence, there is a relative dearth of work on theoretically informed explanations of the sports tourism phenomenon. This is particularly true for organizational aspects of sports tourism. To overcome this gap in research, a conceptual framework has been developed which provides a theoretically grounded perspective on the organizational structure of regional sports tourism (RST). Drawing on a theory of social networks, RST is considered as an interorganizational network based on mutual trust among involved actors. Three functional mechanisms of such a network of RST – cooperation, emergence and innovation – explaining the causal logic of this form of organization will be discussed. The concept of a RST network, presented in this paper, enables a theoretical explanation and understanding of individual action and collective structure in RST. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive framework for the operationalization and empirical analysis of organization in RST. Finally, several implications for further research and the management of RST networks can be derived from this approach.

Quality in regional sports tourism: a network approach to strategic quality management

Research on quality management in regional sports tourism (RST) is deficient. While most studies have focused on one or a few selected areas of RST, comprehensive approaches and theoretically grounded work are scarce. This article proposes a conceptual framework for quality management through evaluation on the network level of RST. The model is premised on conceptualising the sports tourism product as an experience comprising a bundle of benefits generated through a RST network consisting of multiple stakeholders. It facilitates a systematic and ongoing evaluation of RST networks that is underpinned by three dimensions of quality: structure, processes and outcomes.

Dialogorientierte Kommunikation im Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagement

ZusammenfassungHintergrundUnternehmen stehen im Rahmen des Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagements (BGM) vor der Herausforderung, ihre Beschäftigten für BGM-Angebote zu gewinnen. Dem strategischen Kommunikationsmanagement kommt dabei eine entscheidende Rolle zu. Nicht alle Kommunikationsinstrumente sind dabei relevant. Es stellt sich die Frage nach einer geeigneten Auswahl, um BGM-spezifische Kommunikationsziele zu erreichen.ZielDas Ziel des Beitrags ist es, auf theoretischer Grundlage ein Modell zur Systematisierung von Kommunikationsinstrumenten für das BGM zu entwickeln, das als zentrale Kriterien die persönliche und die nicht-persönliche Kommunikation auf einem Kontinuum gegenüberstellt und BGM-relevante Kommunikationsinstrumente funktional einordnet. Das Modell ermöglicht eine Abstimmung und den gezielten Einsatz der Kommunikationsinstrumente im Sinne einer Integrierten Kommunikation.ErgebnisseDer dialogorientierten Kommunikation kommt im BGM ein besonderer Stellenwert zu, da sie den Zugang zu den Adressaten und nachfolgende Verhaltensadaptierungen eher ermöglicht. Das Modell dient als Leitfaden für Praktiker und als Grundlage weiterführender Diskussion in einem neuen Forschungsfeld.AbstractBackgroundCompanies face a challenge to convince employees of the benefits of workplace health management (WHM) initiatives and in this respect strategic communication management plays a decisive role. However, in this process not all communication tools are equally relevant. The question arises as to which tools are most suitable to achieve WHM-specific communication objectives.AimsThe purpose of this article is to develop a theoretically-based model, systemizing communication tools for WHM. As the central criteria, personal and non personal communications are juxtaposed on a continuum, thus ensuring the categorization of the WHM-relevant communication tools in a functional way. The model enables the coordination and specific use of the communication tools with respect to integrated communications.ResultsIn WHM the emphasis has to be placed on dialogue-oriented communications, enabling improved access to the recipients and subsequent behavioral adaptations. The model serves as a guideline for practice-oriented professionals as well as a basis for further discussions in a new field of research.

Social network analysis in sport research: an emerging paradigm

Abstract While network analysis is a major methodological approach in many disciplines of the social and natural sciences, it has only recently come into the focus of sport researchers. This article assesses the utility of network analysis to analyze sport phenomena. We begin with an overview of social network analysis (SNA) and related concepts. To explore research topics and approaches, we conduct a systematic review of empirical literature of SNA and its application to sport. Based on this review, we provide a six-dimensional conceptual typology of SNA applications in sport – competition networks, interaction networks, inter-organizational networks, intra-organizational networks, affiliation networks and social environments. Potential future directions for this promising approach in sport research are discussed.

How to be Successful in Football: A Systematic Review

Background : Despite the popularity of football, the analysis of success factors in football remains a challenge. While reviews on performance indicators in football are available, none focuses solely on the identification of success factors and addresses the large and growing body of recent research up until 2016. Objective : To find out what determines success in football and to organize the body of literature, a systematic literature review analyzing existing studies with regard to success factors in football was undertaken. Methods : The studies included in this review had to deal with performance indicators related to success in football. The studies were published in 2016 or before. The initial search revealed 19,161 articles. Finally, sixty-eight articles were included in this review. The studies were clustered with regard to comparative analyses, predictive analyses and analyses of home advantage. Results : In total, 76 different variables were investigated in the reviewed papers. It appeared that the most significant variables are efficiency (number of goals divided by the number of shots), shots on goal, ball possession, pass accuracy/successful passes as well as the quality of opponent and match location. Moreover, new statistical methods were used to reveal interactions among these variables such as discriminant analysis, factor analysis and regression analysis. The studies showed methodological deficits such as clear operational definitions of investigated variables and small sample sizes. Conclusion : The review allows a comprehensive identification of critical success factors in football and sheds light on utilized methodological approaches. Future research should consider precise operational definitions of the investigated variables, adequate sample sizes and the involvement of situational variables as well as their interaction.

Analyzing the Components of Emotional Competence of Football Coaches: A Qualitative Study from the Coaches’ Perspective

Emotional Competence (EC) is regarded as a fundamental skill for sports coaches. However, the applications of EC in football coaching are not well understood. This study analyzed the specific emotional processes football coaches experience. We interviewed 18 football coaches and analyzed the interview transcripts by using a systematic analysis process based on Grounded Theory principles. We derived a model from this analysis that comprises a four-phase process: emotional triggers, emotional experiences, emotion regulation strategies, and emotional consequences. In this model, we identified four categories which act as triggers of emotions in football coaches. These emotions can be positive or negative and are manifested at three levels. However, the coaches vary in their capability to perceive emotions. Our model also shows that coaches’ emotion regulation strategies influence the effect of emotional experiences. Experienced emotions promote consequences with psychological and social implications for coaches and may influence their perception of future situations. In short, the process seems to be circular. This finding suggests that the ability to deal with emotions is an important aspect for football coaches.