Sport mega-event complexity and reputation: development of a model

Sport mega-events (SMEs) are highly complex undertakings that have important social, political, and economic ramifications. The purpose of this paper is to propose a three-dimensional model that examines the inherent complexity unique to SMEs. Complexity theory is used as a lens to further explain three important types of complexity (i.e., structural, behavioural, and cognitive) which are embedded within three divisions (algorithmic, deterministic, aggregate) of complexity. Taking into account classifications (e.g., first, second, and third order) of SMEs, the model suggests that higher order (e.g., first-order) SMEs will exhibit greater complexity and higher level of reputation than lower level (e.g., third-order) SMEs based on the types and divisions of complexity.