A framework for the analysis of theories of sport and leisure management

Sport and leisure have become an essential part of the American lifestyle. Growth in the sport and leisure industry must be understood through primary influences such as spectators in arenas, increase in number of tourists, etc. Central to these issues is whether sport and leisure business is a unique discipline. The purpose of this study was to investigate ideas that make the sport and leisure industry unique and to determine a comparative framework for theory development. The Delphi method and a Focus Group Interview approach was used for data collection. The result of the study established a framework of four major issues: money, accountability, purpose, and people. The 13 components identified with each of these issues were: Liability, profits, image, social responsibility, change, management philosophy, organization, working conditions, marketing, selling, legal issues, resources, and reputation.