New team identification : Sydney FC, a case study
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2009
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This thesis explores the team identification of fans of a new sport team, using
social identity theory. As there is limited research on fans of new sport teams,
this study sought to redress this situation by seeking to explain and measure new
team identification. Through investigating new team identification, this study
extends current applications of social identity theory and understanding of fans
of a new sport team. Additionally, by measuring new team identification, this
thesis contributes a valid and reliable measure of the construct, and discovery of
key themes driving the formation and development of new team identification.
A mixed-method research design was used to investigate the central
thesis topic. A case study of members of a new sport team, Sydney FC, provided
the sample population. The research design included two surveys, administered
at the end of the new team’s first and second seasons, respectively, in addition to
twenty-one interviews undertaken to deepen understanding of new team
identification. The Sports Spectator Identity Scale (SSIS) was used to measure
new team identification and test for differences in identity strength based on
participant characteristics.
Results indicated that three defining behaviours provided the basis for
the formation of new team identification. These were termed: Football first,
Origin and Occasion. Measurement of new team identification using the SSIS
validated the model in a new team context; however, the value of victory and the
identification of rival groupings did not relate strongly to the construct. Member
identity strength was significantly influenced by age, salary, membership
category and games attended. Five behaviours underpinned the development of
new team identification; these were termed: Searching, Expression, Eagerness,
Names and Faces, and Spruiking.
Social identity theory provided a useful framework to explore the
formation and extent of new team identification. The formation of new team
identification was strongly influenced by support of football, in this case. The
implementation of the SSIS to measure new team identification extended its
previous applications. Participant characteristics exerted a clear influence on the
strength of new team identification. Members engaged in additional teamrelated
behaviours as their new team identification increased and they developed
multi-faceted and socially important bonds.
Stemming from the key thesis findings, the conceptual outcomes
provided a significant contribution to current literature exploring members of
new sport teams. Furthermore, the nuanced differences between identification
with new and established teams provide a distinct agenda for future research
into new sport teams.
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