Grounded in systems theory and the concept of mental models, the study combines data from organizational documents and semi-structured interviews with leaders of the two SGBs. Findings provide a nuanced picture of leaders’ task and team mental models and illustrate the horizontal and vertical pluralities of organizations. Demonstrating how organizational policies are enacted by leaders in volunteer-driven contexts fosters the understanding of meaning-making and the construction of organizations by individual’s cognition and social interaction within the multilevel setting of SGBs.

The research paper was recently accepted for publication in International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics.

Fahrner, M. (2026). Leadership Cognition and Policy Alignment: Insights From Pre-Merger Sport Governing Bodies. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics. doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2026.2693286

As part of his stay, Raphael Flepp will give two lectures on current topics in sports economics. On Tuesday, June 2, he will speak at 12:30 p.m. on “The Performance Effects of Head Coach Dismissals in European Football“ (Lecture hall 102, Lothar-Meyer-Bau, Mineralogy) and at 4:15 p.m. on “Still a Results-Driven Business? Expected Goals and Coach Dismissals in European Football“. This second talk will take place in Seminar Room 3, Wächterstraße 67.

All interested students, colleagues, and faculty members are cordially invited to attend!

Guest lecture

The range of tasks were diverse: marketing strategies, sponsorship concepts, and financing models were developed. In addition, topics such as risk management and participant management for large-scale events were also a focus. Creative elements complemented the program, including the production of podcasts and videos to present the developed concepts.

The program took place at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences. In addition to academic input from the lecturers of the participating universities, the main emphasis of the game was on project-based teamwork. The international exchange provided valuable insights. The program concluded with a joint debate on current challenges in event management.

Beyond the academic schedule, Groningen offered plenty of opportunities for social interaction. The lively student city, with its cafés and gathering spots, provided the perfect setting for making new international connections.

The International Sport Management Game was therefore far more than just a study project: it was an intensive week of teamwork, practical sport event management, and valuable international experiences.

written by verfasst von Amélie Heizmann, Laurin Fischer, Oscar Saam & Ute Schüttoff