Upward reclassification of intercollegiate athletic departments to Division I : a case study approach
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Anthony G. Weaver (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Gerald Ponder
Abstract: "The purpose of this research was to describe the process of reclassifying an athletic department to Division I and its impact on the institution and its stakeholders. The study focused on the process of reclassification, the context in which the reclassification took place and a number of aspects (people, departments, facilities) that were altered during the organizational change. The relationship between intercollegiate athletic departments and the university, as well as personal relationships were also examined.
Two universities, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and Elon University, were chosen for case study analysis. Data were collected and analyzed using case study methodologies and an adapted model of Pettigrew's contextualist approach. Data from each institution were gathered using documents, archival records, semi-structured interviews, participant observations, physical artifacts, and direct observations. Analysis was completed based on the three constructs taken from Pettigrew's model: context, process, and content. Content analysis of all documents and interview transcripts revealed several themes.
Results indicate that although the context at each university was different, each university believed the reclassification would improve their institutional profile among competitive peer institutions. Each institution was also influenced by the athletic success of other institutions, which produced a belief that the upgrade would bring recognition to the institution. The process of the move to Division I was a complex progression involving numerous internal and external constituents. Each institution worked within the detailed parameters established by the NCAA, as well as the institution's own procedures for completing the change. The study identified potential areas of change to the organization as a result of the move to Division I. These changes include better quality students and faculty, increased alumni support, university profile, and improved community relations; however, the impact of the reclassification on these organizational changes is difficult to determine. At both schools, the athletic product including student-athletes, coaches, and athletic facilities did change as a direct result of the reclassification.
The results of the study aid in gaining a better understanding of the resulting organizational change of the upward reclassification to Division I. This study represents an effort to appreciate the context in which transition occurred, the process of transitioning the athletic program to Division I, the rationale for the move, and the impact on the institution and its constituency. Findings from this study serve as a first step to gaining a better understanding of the impact of reclassification on organizational change of a university."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
Upward reclassification of intercollegiate athletic departments to Division I : a case study approach
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Created on 8/1/2007
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2007
- Keywords
- process, reclassifying, athletic, department, Division I, impact, institution, stakeholders
- Subjects
- College sports--North Carolina--Management
- College sports--North Carolina--Sociological aspects
- Organizational change--Education (Higher)