Organizational Issues in Olympic Games: a Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to extend previous research on organizational issues of sport megaevents through the development of a framework for the Olympic Games. A three-step approach was taken. Firstly, a systematic literature review was conducted based on journal articles, academic books, and official reports published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Games Organizing Committees (OGOC). Secondly, the issues identified within the media regarding the 2016 Olympic Games were analyzed. Lastly, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 stakeholders to further examine the organizational issues of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. A new extended conceptual framework of organizational issues associated with the Olympic Games is then proposed. Issue categories faced by the organizing committee include politics, marketing, media and visibility, financial, planning, negotiation and ethics, operations, infrastructure, human resources, social, environmental, and legacy. These 12 dimensions of organizational issues account for a total of 76 specific issues. The article provides critical information to aid the IOC and OGOCs in understanding organizational issues that may arise in future of Olympic Games.