The pursuit of legitimacy through strategic alliances: the examination of international joint sport event bidding

• Published in: European sport management quarterly Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 544 - 563
• Main Authors: Byun, Jinsu, Ellis, Dana, Leopkey, Becca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 08.08.2021
• Subjects: joint sport event bids; Organizational legitimacy; strategic alliances
• ISSN: 1618-4742; 1746-031X
• DOI: 10.1080/16184742.2020.1759668

Research question: Given the increased attention on joint sport event bids this study examines how the practices and structures created through the formation of a joint bidding alliance could influence the creation of diverse types of organizational legitimacy. Research methods: A descriptive qualitative approach analyzing a combination of archival materials and interviews related to 15 international large-scale joint sport event bidding cases was completed. Results and Findings: Results suggest various practices and structures are created through forming joint bids. Propositions that suggest how joint bidding alliances can result in the creation of various legitimacy types: managerial/technical, consequential, procedural, and linkage legitimacy are provided. Implications: This study extends the sport event literature by examining joint bidding alliances as organizational strategies. A model illustrating the legitimation process of joint bids in sporting events and implications of this study is suggested.