What is different about sport management

Abstract

The uniqueness of sport management is of concern to define the discipline's boundaries and direction. This paper contributes to the debate by asking practicing sports managers what makes their jobs different to similar functions in non-sporting organizations. Two sporting organizations in New Zealand's South Island were studied. Managers stated there was little difference in their jobs and their skills were transferable. Sport has distinctive characteristics, but few are unique and can be found in other industries. Instead of asking what individual characteristics are unique to sports management, this paper argues it is better to ask what combination of characteristics is unique.