Non-profit sport collaboration effectiveness: how do the partner selection factors and the collaboration process matter?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between partner selection factors and effectiveness of collaboration between sport clubs, as well as the mediating role of collaboration process dimensions on this relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via an online survey targeting representatives of sport clubs in Belgium (n = 631). Hierarchical multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS macro PROCESS.FindingsThe results indicate that two partner selection factors – shared vision and pre-existing relationships – are related to collaboration effectiveness. Moreover, this association is mediated by the collaboration process and, more particularly, by two informal (social) dimensions of this process: mutuality and trust.Practical implicationsPractically, this study suggests sport clubs representatives to chiefly pay attention to partner selection characteristics when deciding to collaborate with other sport clubs. They should assess their potential partners and eventually choose sport clubs that share a similar vision and/or with whom they already have pre-existing relationships.Originality/valueThis paper extends knowledge on non-profit sport collaboration effectiveness by empirically examining its relationship to the partner selection factors and collaboration process. It helps establish the distinctiveness of this collaboration form. The paper also brings new knowledge on the interconnections between antecedents, process and effectiveness of sport collaboration.