Group Work

WWE : -We concluded that WWE is not a sport because there is a predetermined outcome to the activity, which negates the sense of competition. -We determined that the WWE is still a sport organization despite the fact that it is not a sport. Although the actual activity is not a sport, WWE is still part of the sports industry. There is an organizational structure within WWE that constitutes an organization. WWE also has a large fan base and opportunities for stakeholders. All of these allow us to consider WWE a sport organization within the sport industry. University of Minnesota, Gopher Athletics: Contextual dimensions 1. Size - very large, about an $80 million annual budget, one event could cost more than $100,000, large even at the collegiate level, large number of students impacts the size of organization. 2. Technology - Website, multiple facilities, new stadium with state of the art technology, social networking 3. Environment - New stadium, large on campus and metro area following, "Big Ten" atmosphere, $280 million stadium still affordable in hard economic times, political and community input. 4. Goals and strategy - To serve as a window to the university. Recruit, retain, and reward. Make money to keep up with similar organizations. 5. Culture - Very diverse culture. Consists much of die hard fans that were are proud to have always been a fan, but also encompasses the student body, which is made up if hundreds of different people and their own cultures. Structural dimensions 1. Formalization - Many jobs positions that athletics create and there are descriptions for each. Also, many involved with the organization must sign detailed contracts. 2. Specialization -Each sport is its own department with a budget. 3. Hierarchy of authority - The Hierarchy of authority is very evident. University President to Athletic Director all the way down to facility managers and student employees and hundreds of positions in between. 4. Centralization - Many decisions and rules come from ruling organization, NCAA. All universities within division 1 status receive command in many areas from governing body. 5. Professionalism - Extreme professionalism. Many full-time staff must have specific experience to attain certain positions. All upper management has proper education, training, and experience. 6. Personnel Ratios: Many more lower wage employees than top paid officials. Contextual vs. Structural: The contextual dimensions of gopher athletics influence the structural. The contextual dimensions also differ from the structural, but they still have a great influence on them. Many of the structural dimensions would not even be in place if it were not for the contextual dimensions.