Background and Objective of the study
The goal of this study is to develop and validate the Olympic Games-related Value Scale (OVS). While there are values mentioned in the Olympic Charter that are supposed to represent the Olympic Movement, one does not know what the values are that individuals associate with the Olympic Games, and what their level of agreement to different value representations is. There is a need for the OVS to take into account individuals’ perspectives, because the Olympic Idea, as defined in the Olympic Charter, rarely translates and manifests in the practice of hosting the Olympic Games. The authors develop and validate the proposed OVS and examine the relationship between the OVS and managerially and societally relevant concepts.
Design and Results
In a series of pre-studies and main studies with Olympic Games experts (n = 561) and residents from various countries (n = 3,576), the authors have developed and calibrated the OVS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses that control for stylistic response behavior were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. The OVS contains 12 items that load onto three factors: (1) appreciation of diversity, (2) friendly relations with others, and (3) achievement in competition. The scale is valid and reliable in both English and German. All three OVS dimensions relate to individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and intentions.
Implications
The International Olympic Committee and related stakeholders can use the OVS to assess and monitor value perceptions in relation to the Olympic Games. In future research, it would be interesting to find out whether the values influence residents’ opinion about hosting Olympic Games in their home country and the promotion of sport in reference to the Olympic Idea. The question of how the three dimensions relate to attitudes and behaviors is highly relevant to today’s society. The authors hope to encourage researchers and practitioners to use the scale and to identify means to promote pro-societal behaviors via value-driven organizational activities.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Secretary: Mirjam Eggers
Uptown Munich Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Germany
Phone: +49.89.289.24559
Fax: +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de