Understanding the impact of radical change on the effectiveness of national-level sport organizations: A multi-stakeholder perspective

The purpose of this study was to understand how radical organizational change impacts the effectiveness of national-level sport organizations from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders. A single case study methodology of U SPORTS – the national governing body of university sport in Canada – was employed. Data sources included 32 semi-structured interviews with internal (n = 16) and external stakeholders (n = 16), as well as documentation (e.g., annual reports, financial statements). Results indicated the effectiveness of organizations can be impacted by radical change but can vary in the degree of impact, depending on the organizational effectiveness approach and stakeholder perspective used. Using both internal and external stakeholders contributes to our understanding of radical organizational change, as it demonstrates the outward impact of change on not only the focal sport organization but also its external stakeholders, which are critical for organizational survival.Radical change is a key aspect of survival, but difficult to manage successfully.A case study of U SPORTS and its internal and external stakeholders was undertaken.Radical change can impact the effectiveness of national-level sport organizations.Impact of radical change varies based on the effectiveness approach used.Impact of radical change varies based on the perspective of different stakeholders.