An examination of team structure and its implications for subgroups in an individual sport setting
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Authors
Saizew, Kelsey
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Subgroups , Cliques , Team Structure , Individual Sport , Interdependence
Alternative Title
Abstract
Despite growing research interest in the social dynamics of sport teams, the smaller groups that emerge from within a total team have largely been overlooked. This is concerning given that preliminary investigations highlight the inevitability of their presence, in addition to the potential for them to generate both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes (Martin et al., 2015, 2016; Wagstaff et al., 2017). However, several shortcomings identified in this exploratory body of literature were its (a) inclusion of only one perspective (either athletes or coaches), (b) from a range of different sport teams, without consideration for (c) changes over time, and (d) the specific sport structure that might predispose division within a team. As such, the purpose of this study was to explore how sport structure predisposes a team to subgroup and clique formation, and thus, influences athlete interactions and team functioning. Track and field was chosen as it represents an individual sport composed of several smaller teams ranging in teammate interdependence and event types.
An in-depth case-study design was selected, composed of several interviews conducted over the course of a competition season. A single Canadian intercollegiate track and field team was selected, wherein 15 participants (4 coaches, 11 athletes) provided various perspectives from across the team. Semi-structured interviews were conducted early and post season, and transcripts were analyzed using a combination of thematic and exception analyses (Braun et al., 2016; Phoenix & Orr, 2017).
Results indicated that this track and field team had a multitude of inherent structural constraints (sport type, event type, facility/schedule limitations, team size, change over time) that directly impacted athlete interactions and predisposed the group to subgroup and clique formation. Consequently, much of the team’s energy was directed toward the management of the social environment (e.g., athlete interactions, cooperation) by undertaking team building activities, utilizing the leadership core, emphasizing consistent and quality communication, and generating individual buy-in. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications and are discussed as they related to the literature. Future directions and study strengths and limitations are advanced herein.
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CC0 1.0 Universal
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.