‘I was there from the start’: The identity-maintenance strategies used by fans to combat the threat of losing

Authors: Doyle, J.P., Lock, D., Funk, D.C., Filo, K. and McDonald, H.

Journal: Sport Management Review

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Pages: 184-197

ISSN: 1441-3523

DOI: 10.1016/j.smr.2016.04.006

Abstract:

On-field performances are a key, yet uncontrollable, determinant of team identification. In this research, we explore how fans of a new team, with an overwhelming loss to win ratio, maintain a positive social identity. Qualitative data gathered from 20 semi-structured interviews were used to address this research objective. Our findings indicated fans use social creativity and social mobility strategies to help preserve a positive and distinctive group identity. In the absence of success, fans evaluated the group on dimensions that reflected positively on, and emphasised the distinctiveness of, group membership. Fans also sought to increase their status in the group to increase the positivity of this association. We use these findings to extend understanding of social identity theory and provide recommendations for sport organisations with unfavourable performance records. Recommendations are themed around highlighting the unique nature of the group and favourable status comparisons between members of the in-group.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23509/

Source: Scopus

'I was there from the start': The identity -maintenance strategies used by fans to combat the threat of losing

Authors: Doyle, J.P., Lock, D., Funk, D.C., Filo, K. and McDonald, H.

Journal: SPORT MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Pages: 184-197

eISSN: 1839-2083

ISSN: 1441-3523

DOI: 10.1016/j.smr.2016.04.006

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23509/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

‘I was there from the start’: The identity maintenance strategies used by fans to combat the threat of losing

Authors: Doyle, J., Lock, D., Filo, K., Funk, D. and McDonald, H.

Journal: Sport Management Review

Volume: 20

Publisher: Elsevier

ISSN: 1441-3523

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23509/

Source: Manual

‘I was there from the start’: The identity maintenance strategies used by fans to combat the threat of losing

Authors: Doyle, J., Lock, D., Filo, K., Funk, D. and Mcdonald, H.

Journal: Sport Management Review

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Pages: 184-197

ISSN: 1441-3523

Abstract:

On-field performances are a key, yet uncontrollable, determinant of team identification. In this research, we explore how fans of a new team, with an overwhelming loss to win ratio, maintain a positive social identity. Qualitative data gathered from 20 semi-structured interviews were used to address this research objective. Our findings indicated fans use social creativity and social mobility strategies to help preserve a positive and distinctive group identity. In the absence of success, fans evaluated the group on dimensions that reflected positively on, and emphasised the distinctiveness of, group membership. Fans also sought to increase their status in the group to increase the positivity of this association. We use these findings to extend understanding of social identity theory and provide recommendations for sport organisations with unfavourable performance records. Recommendations are themed around highlighting the unique nature of the group and and favourable status comparisons between members of the in-group.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23509/

Source: BURO EPrints