Published April 11, 2010
Over the past 18 months, I have been working towards my Master's Degree in the Applied Health Sciences (Sport Management) at Brock University. I am pleased to share with you that I successfully defended my thesis on April 5th, 2010.
My thesis is titled Moving from values inaction to values-in-action: An exploration of how values can be intentionally managed by National Sport Organizations. I am incredibly grateful to the nine NSOs who participated in the study. In particular, I'd like to acknowledge the 11 sport leaders who shared their insights and idea for how values can be leveraged more intentionally within their organization.
Here are some of the highlights of my findings:
a. Inactive: where values are dormant or not used
b. Intuitive: where values are shared and experienced at the individual level and are leadership-dependent
c. Intrinsic: where values are embedded system-wide and evident in policies, practices, and procedures. Though still focused inwardly on the organization, the values are known throughout the organization and have begun to extend outwards
d. Inspirational: values at this stage are being mined intentionally as a strategic communications vehicle to engage and inspire members to achieve a common objective
Step 1: Have a conversation with your NSO members on the values you want to see manifested in your sport
Step 2: Integrate your organization's values within your strategic objectives.
Step 3: Use your values to determine decisions, evaluate performance, and set plans for the future at all levels of your organization.
Step 4: Make the values intrinsic within your NSO by including values into systems, policies, practices, programs, and evaluations.
Step 5: Communicate your values explicitly and showcase your commitment by connecting initiatives that reflect your values. Declare your commitment to True Sport.
Step 6: Continually invest in your sport's capacity at all levels through a management philosophy that supports both objectives and values.
Step 7: Review and renew your commitment to your values when you undergo any strategic planning efforts.
Originally published: Centre for Sport and Law Newsletter (2010) Vol. 6(2)