Organizational redirection in highly bureaucratic environments: De-escalation of commitment among division I athletic departments
Abstract
Due to the perceived benefits of NCAA Division I participation, institutional decision makers regularly encounter the appropriate extent of intercollegiate athletics commitment. Amid evidence of limited profitability, many institutions continue investment in Division I athletics. However, select institutions have redirected Division I athletic commitment from former failing courses of action. Based on escalation of commitment theory, this study investigated de-escalation of commitment within the bureaucratic educational setting of Division I athletics by implementing a collective case study of select higher learning institutions (N = 8). Participants (n = 32) included decision makers involved in the development and implementation of de-escalation initiatives. Findings revealed unique theoretical contributions related to the absence of negative feedback and importance of accurate information in redefining the magnitude of a problem. Contrary to previous de-escalation research, findings provided further contribution related to the importance of limited stakeholder consultation and a lack of engagement in impression management among decision makers. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Publication Title
Journal of Sport Management
Recommended Citation
Hutchinson, M., & Bouchet, A. (2014). Organizational redirection in highly bureaucratic environments: De-escalation of commitment among division I athletic departments. Journal of Sport Management, 28 (2), 143-161. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2012-0303
