This thesis aims to answer the question of how prior experience as a top athlete influences the risk handling strategies as a sports entrepreneur. In this way, the purpose of the study is to fill the gap in the field of entrepreneurial risk research by developing the first conceptual framework for entrepreneurial risk handling. This framework can be used as a guideline for aspiring entrepreneurs that face high-risk environments as well as for future studies in this field.
To answer the research question, the research adopts a multiple case study approach to emerge different risk handling strategies that have been developed among the athlete's sports careers and being applied nowadays in the career as a sports entrepreneur. By conducting semi-structured interviews and applying inductive qualitative research, the sample of the study consists of ten sports entrepreneurs with different experienced risk types. The research will progress as by the following: The next section presents the theoretical framework that covers the existing literature about the interplay between sports entrepreneurship, prior experience, success and risk-taking.
Then, the main empirical results and analyses are presented in relation to the theoretical framework. Besides, the paper concludes by providing further meaning and context for the main findings. Finally, future theoretical and practical implications are suggested, as well as limitations of the study are outlined. The study ends by providing implications for practice and future researchers and closes with conclusions.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theoretical Framework
- 2.1 Sport Entrepreneurship
- 2.2 Prior Experience
- 2.3 Risk
- 2.3.1 Risk and Entrepreneurship
- 2.3.2 Risk-Taking and Entrepreneurship
- 2.3.3 Risk-Taking and Sports Entrepreneurship
- 2.3.4 Risk-Taking and Entrepreneurial Success
- 2.3.5 Risk-Handling
- 3. Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Sampling Approach
- 3.3 Sampling Selection
- 3.4 Data Collection and Analysis
- 3.4.1 Interview Conduction
- 3.4.2 Data Analysis
- 3.4.3 Interview-Guide Structure
- 3.5 Methodology Limitations
- 4. Findings
- 4.1 Prior Experience
- 4.1.1 Types of experienced Sports Risk-types
- 4.1.2 Sports Risk-handling Strategies
- 4.2 Sports Entrepreneurship
- 4.2.1 Entrepreneurial Motivation
- 4.2.2 Types of Entrepreneurial Risk-types
- 4.2.3 Entrepreneurial Risk-handling Strategies
- 4.1 Prior Experience
- 5. Discussion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study explores how the risk experiences of top athletes influence the risk-handling strategies of sports entrepreneurs. The objective is to develop a conceptual framework of entrepreneurial risk-handling based on the strategies employed by these individuals, making it applicable to entrepreneurs in general and informing future research. This framework is built upon the analysis of in-depth interviews with ten active sports entrepreneurs.
- The relationship between athletic risk experience and entrepreneurial risk-handling.
- The development and application of risk-handling strategies by sports entrepreneurs.
- The creation of a transferable conceptual framework for entrepreneurial risk-handling.
- The identification of transferable lessons from sports entrepreneurs for all entrepreneurs.
- Theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by outlining the purpose of the study: to understand how the risk experiences of top athletes influence the risk-handling approaches of sports entrepreneurs. It highlights the descriptive and exploratory nature of the research and its aim to contribute to the theoretical understanding of entrepreneurial risk-handling by developing a practical framework. The chapter establishes the significance of studying sports entrepreneurs as a unique group and their potential to offer valuable insights into broader entrepreneurial practices. The methodology employed, which involves in-depth interviews with ten active sports entrepreneurs, is briefly introduced.
2. Theoretical Framework: This chapter lays the groundwork for the empirical study by reviewing existing literature on several key concepts. It delves into the specifics of sport entrepreneurship, examining its unique characteristics and the context within which it operates. The role of prior experience, particularly athletic experience, is explored as a potential factor influencing risk perception and handling. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of the concept of risk within entrepreneurship, differentiating between risk-taking and risk-handling, and highlighting the significance of both in achieving entrepreneurial success. The discussion sets the stage for analyzing how these concepts manifest within the context of sports entrepreneurship.
3. Research Methodology: This chapter meticulously describes the research design, detailing the chosen qualitative approach. It outlines the sampling approach used to select the ten participants: active sports entrepreneurs with successful athletic careers. The data collection methods are explained, focusing on the semi-structured interview process and its rationale. The chapter provides insights into the structure and themes of the interview guide, illustrating how data was collected and subsequently analyzed. A transparent discussion of the study's limitations is crucial for methodological rigor. This ensures that the reader understands the boundaries of the research and any potential biases that might be present in the results.
4. Findings: This chapter presents the core findings of the study, structured around the two main areas: prior experience and sports entrepreneurship. The analysis of prior experience focuses on the types of risks experienced by the athletes during their careers and the strategies they developed to manage these risks. Similarly, the analysis of sports entrepreneurship delves into their entrepreneurial motivation, the types of risks encountered in their businesses, and the risk-handling strategies they employ. These findings provide the empirical basis for the development of the conceptual framework presented later in the study. The chapter presents data in a systematic and structured way, using tables to organize and illustrate the findings.
5. Discussion: This chapter interprets the findings, connecting them back to the theoretical framework established earlier. It discusses the implications of the identified risk-handling strategies and their relevance for both sports and non-sports entrepreneurs. The chapter critically examines the strengths and limitations of the findings, and offers nuanced interpretations of the data, considering alternative explanations and potential biases. It also places the study's contribution within the broader context of existing research on entrepreneurship and risk-management. The aim is to highlight the originality and significance of this study's contribution to the field.
Keywords
Entrepreneurship, sport entrepreneurship, professional athlete, second career, sports, risk-taking, risk-handling, conceptual framework, qualitative research, interview.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study on Risk-Handling Strategies of Sports Entrepreneurs
What is the main focus of this study?
This study explores the relationship between the risk experiences of top athletes and their subsequent risk-handling strategies as sports entrepreneurs. The goal is to create a practical framework for entrepreneurial risk-handling based on the experiences of these individuals, applicable to entrepreneurs in general.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The research employs a qualitative approach, specifically using in-depth interviews with ten active sports entrepreneurs who have had successful athletic careers. The interviews are semi-structured, allowing for exploration of key themes related to risk experience and risk-handling strategies. The data is then analyzed to identify patterns and develop a conceptual framework.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The key themes include the relationship between athletic risk experience and entrepreneurial risk-handling, the development and application of risk-handling strategies by sports entrepreneurs, and the creation of a transferable conceptual framework for entrepreneurial risk-handling applicable beyond sports entrepreneurship. The study also aims to identify transferable lessons from sports entrepreneurs for all entrepreneurs and discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
What are the key findings of the study (in brief)?
The study analyzes the types of risks experienced by athletes in their careers and how these experiences shape their risk-handling approaches as entrepreneurs. It examines their entrepreneurial motivations, the types of entrepreneurial risks they encounter, and their strategies for managing these risks. This analysis forms the basis for the development of a transferable conceptual framework for entrepreneurial risk management.
What is the structure of the study's report?
The report includes an introduction, a theoretical framework reviewing relevant literature (sport entrepreneurship, prior experience, risk in entrepreneurship), a detailed methodology section explaining the research design and data analysis, a findings section presenting the empirical data, and a discussion section interpreting the findings and their implications. A table of contents and chapter summaries are also provided. Keywords are listed for easy searchability.
Who are the participants in this study?
The participants are ten active sports entrepreneurs, all of whom have successful backgrounds as professional athletes. The selection aims to provide insights from individuals with specific experiences navigating high-stakes environments.
What is the significance of this research?
The study aims to contribute to the theoretical understanding of entrepreneurial risk-handling by providing a practical framework developed from the experiences of sports entrepreneurs. This framework is intended to be transferable and beneficial for entrepreneurs in various fields. The research highlights the unique insights offered by studying this specific group of entrepreneurs.
What are the limitations of the study?
The study acknowledges its limitations, such as the relatively small sample size (ten participants) and the potential for biases inherent in qualitative research. These limitations are discussed transparently to provide a balanced perspective on the findings and their generalizability.
Where can I find more details about the specific findings and the developed framework?
The full research report contains detailed information about the specific findings, including data analysis and the development of the conceptual framework for entrepreneurial risk-handling. The report provides a structured presentation of the data and in-depth interpretations within the discussion section.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Entrepreneurship, sport entrepreneurship, professional athlete, second career, sports, risk-taking, risk-handling, conceptual framework, qualitative research, interview.
- Quote paper
- Lukas Meißner (Author), 2021, Learning from Sports Entrepreneurs. Development of a Conceptual Framework for Entrepreneurial Risk-handling, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1301210
