Going Public: The Organizational Restructuring of German Football Clubs

This article argues that the organizational structure of companies and professional sports clubs are becoming increasingly similar through a convergence of 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' decision-making structures. This convergence helps soccer clubs to overcome the dilemma of having to balance members' interests with achieving the aims of the organization. Companies have developed this convergence because they have recognized the importance of employee commitment in achieving their aims. Three patterns of overcoming this organizational dilemma are discussed and illustrated by case studies from the German Bundesliga.