Understanding Social Responsibility in Iran Sports for All Federation from a Qualitative Perspective: Dimensions and Consequences

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Sport Management, Shahroud University of Technology, Shahroud, Iran

3 Sport Management department, Physical Education Faculty, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

4 Faculty of Industrial Engineering & Management, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

5 Department of Sport Sciences, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: Sports organizations are considered part of society and can have a positive impact on health, education, economy, environment, and social values by playing the role of social responsibility. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the dimensions and consequences of Social Responsibility (SR) of the Iran Sports for All Federation (ISF).

Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach based on the thematic analysis method. The research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with experts and specialists in the field of SR and Sports for all in Iran. The interview participants included 13 managers, trainers, staff, officials of the ISF, and university faculty members selected by purposive sampling. The thematic analysis method was used to extract basic, organizing, and global themes.

Results: Based on the analysis, 102 basic themes, 17 organizing themes, and eight global themes were extracted. Global themes included “humanitarian responsibility”, “environmental responsibility”, “legal responsibility”, “moral responsibility”, “economic responsibility”, “loyalty”, “quality of services”, and “behavioral intentions”. This research shows the consequences of SR that can affect the behaviors and attitudes of customers in the ISF.

Conclusion: The research emphasizes the importance of the environmental aspect in SR, emphasizing the promotion of environmental education, sustainable development, and green management.

Keywords


  • Anagnostopoulos, C., Winand, M., Papadimitriou, D., & Zeimers, G. (2022). Implementing corporate social responsibility through charitable foundations in professional football: The role of trustworthiness. Managing Sport and Leisure, pp. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2022.2096672
  • Baena, V. (2018). 'The importance of CSR practices carried out by sport teams and its influence on brand love: The Real Madrid Foundation Social Responsibility Journal, 14(1), 61–79. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-11-2016-0205/
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative research in sport, exercise, and health, 11(4), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
  • Brsown, L. E. (2012). Corporate social responsibility in NCAA athletics: institutional practices and decision-makers. Ph.D. Dissertation, the Ohio State University.1-156. ISBN: 978-1-2675-0828-7.
  • Brown, C. J., Butt, J., & Sarkar, M. (2020). Overcoming performance slumps: Psychological resilience in expert cricket batsmen. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 32(3), 277-296. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2018.1545709
  • Bosch-Badia, M. T., Montllor-Serrats, J., & Tarrazon, M. A. (2013). Corporate social responsibility from Friedman to Porter and Kramer. Theoretical Economics Letters, 3(3A), 11-15. 4236/tel.2013.33A003
  • Bhattacharya, C. B., Korschun, D., & Sen, S. (2009). Strengthening stakeholder–company relationships through mutually beneficial corporate social responsibility initiatives. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(2), 257-272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-008-9730-3‏
  • Chang, Y. H., & Yeh, C. H. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty in intercity bus services. Transport Policy, 59, 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.07.001
  • Chen, B. H., Chen, M. H., Tai, P. N., & Hsiung, W. C. (2015). Constructing the corporate social responsibility indicators of professional sports organizations. International Journal of Business Administration6(5), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijba.v6n5p75
  • Demirci Orel, F., & Kara, A. (2014). Supermarket self-checkout service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty: Empirical evidence from an emerging market. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 21(2), 118-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2013.07.002
  • Erhemjamts, O., & Huang K. (2019). Institutional ownership horizon, corporate social responsibility, and shareholder value. Journal of Business Research, 105, 61-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.05.037
  • Eghdampour, R., Keshtiaray, N., & Esmaili, R. (2020). Student's experiences of social responsibility in the university. Journal of Higher Education Curriculum, 10(20), 237–264. [In Persian]. 1001.1.25382241.1398.10.20.11.1
  • Filizöz, B., & Fişne, M. (2011). Corporate social responsibility: A study of striking corporate social responsibility practices in sport management. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences24, 1405-1417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.09.062
  • Fletcher, A. J. (2017). Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets method. International journal of social research methodology, 20(2), 181–194. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2016.1144401‏
  • Forney, W. (2018). Corporate social responsibility: understanding the strategy and impact of CSR implementation. Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management. Sullivan University.1-190.
  • Jung, C. M., & Hur, W. M. (2022). How do customers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility contribute to sustainable customer citizenship behaviors? The mediating mechanisms of corporate brand pride and self-brand connection. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 29(5), 1676-1688.‏ https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2318
  • Jonker, J., & Witte, M. F. (2008). Management models for corporate social responsibility .springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg
  • Khuong, M. N., Truogan, N. K., & Hang, T. T. (2021). Stakeholders and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs as key sustainable development strategies to promote corporate reputation evidence in Vietnam. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1917333
  • Li, J., Deeprasert, J., Li, R. Y. M., & Lu, W. (2022). The Influence of Chinese Professional Basketball Organizations’ (CPBOs’) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Efforts on Their Clubs’ Sustainable Development. Sustainability,14(19), 1-21.‏ https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912339
  • Leclercq-Machado, L., Alvarez-Risco, A., Esquerre-Botton, S., Almanza-Cruz, C., de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, M., Del-Aguila-Arcentales, S., & Yáñez, J. A. (2022). Effect of Corporate social responsibility on consumer satisfaction and consumer loyalty of private banking companies in Peru. Sustainability,14(15), 9078. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159078
  • Lu, X., Liu, H. W., & Rahman, M. (2017). The impact of corporate social responsibility on customer loyalty: A case for two global corporations in China. Strategic Change, 26(3), 251-260. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2126
  • Lin, K. Z., Cheng, S., & Zhang, F. (2017). Corporate social responsibility, institutional environments, and tax avoidance: Evidence from a subnational comparison in China. The International Journal of Accounting52(4), 303-318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intacc.2017.11.002
  • Martínez, P., & Del Bosque, I. R. (2013). CSR and customer loyalty: The roles of trust, customer identification with the company and satisfaction. International journal of hospitality management35, 89-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.05.009
  • Moyo, T., Davies, S. E. H., & Joubert, E. (2015). Corporate social responsibility and organizational performance of a professional football club in South Africa. Corporate Ownership and Control, 13(1), 605-613. http://hdl.handle.net/11189/4492
  • Montazeri, A., Talebpour, M., Andam, R., & Kazemnejad, A. (2019). The Role of Social Responsibilities in the Attitude of Iran Football Fans. Sport Management Studies,11(53), 157-180. https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2017.3982.1769
  • Ngoepe-Ntsoane, M. J. (2018). Perspectives on corporate social responsibility as a route to citizen empowerment. Development Southern Africa35(4), 419-431. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2018.1428084
  • Narver, J. C., & Slater, S. F. (1990). The effect of a market orientation on business profitability. Journal of Marketing, 54(4), 20–35. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkg.66.4.25.18513
  • Reiche, D. (2013). Drivers behind corporate social responsibility in the professional football sector: a case study of the German Bundesliga. Soccer & Society, 15(4), 472–502. https://doi.org/10.1080/14660970.2013.842877
  • Seyed Javadin, R., Hashemi, M., & Mahmoudian, O. (2016). Presenting a model to explain social responsibility in oil and gas companies using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). Public Administration, 8(1), 75-92. [In Persian]. 22059/JIPA.2016.57505
  • Solomon, M. R., Marshall, G. W., & Stuart, E. W. (2011). Marketing Real People Real Choices. 7th Edition. Prentice Hall.‏
  • Trendafilova, S., Babiak, K., & Heinze, K. (2013). Corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability: Why professional sport is greening the playing field. Sport Management Review, 16(3), 298-313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2012.12.006.
  • Ubius, U., & Alas, R. (2009). Organizational culture types as predictors of corporate social responsibility. Engineering economics, 61(1), 90-99. https://www.inzeko.ktu.lt/index.php/EE/article/view/11597‏
  • Walters, G. (2009). Corporate social responsibility through sport: The community sports trust model as a CSR delivery agency. Journal of Corporate Citizenship, (35), pp. 81–94. https://www.jstor.org/stable/jcorpciti.35.81
  • Walters, G. Richard T. (2010). Corporate social responsibility in sport: Stakeholder management in the UK football industry. Journal of Management & Organization, 16(4), 566–586. https://doi.org/10.5172/jmo.2010.16.4.566
  • Walker, M., & Parent, M. M. (2010). Toward An Integrated Framework of Corporate Social Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Citizenship in Sport. Sport Management Review, 13(3), 198–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2010.03.003
  • Wong AKF, Koseoglu MA, Kim S. (2021). The intellectual structure of corporate social responsibility research in tourism and hospitality: A citation/co-citation analysis. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 49, 270-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.09.015
  • Kim, H., Kim, H., & Lyu, S.O. (2023). The Impact of Social Responsibility of Professional Sports Clubs on the Formation of Team Loyalty and Revisit Intention. The Korea Journal of Sport. 21(3), 587-597. https://www.earticle.net/Article/A436399
  • Harrison, V.S., & Erlichman, S. (2022). NFL Player Protests, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Diversion in Sport Crisis. Journal of Sports Media, 17(1), 119-142. https://doi.org/10.1353/jsm.2022.0005
  • Walker, M., & Kent, A. (2009). Do Fans Care? Assessing the Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Attitudes in the Sport Industry. Journal of Sport Management, 23(6), 743–769. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.23.6.743
  • Sadeghi Boroujerdi, S., Mansouri, H., Hassan, S. H., & Nadri, Z. (2023). The Influence of Team Social Responsibility in the Attitudinal Loyalty of Football Fans: The Mediating Role of Team Identity and Team Trust, Asian Journal of Sport History & Culture, [In Prees]. https://doi.org/10.1080/27690148.2023.2270541
  • Robertson, J. F. (2016). Exploring the social responsibility of sports organizations (Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University).
  • Jararnezhadgero, A., Arij, A., Hasanzadeh, N., & Rahimi, A. (2023). Studying the Methods of Using the Donors’ Capacity in the Development of Sports Infrastructure in Ardabil Province in Iran. Research in Sport Management and Marketing4(2), 53-66. doi: 10.22098/rsmm.2023.12299.1198