Community sports clubs' responses to institutional and resource dependence pressures for government grants

Abstract

The convergence of institutional processes and resource dependence perspectives stresses the notion that organizations choose strategies that address pressures from both their exchange and the institutional environments. Community sports clubs often resort to government grants to offer their member services. This paper examines the processes involved in seeking government grants with the aim of optimizing sports clubs' chances of successfully attracting government grants. Interviews with representatives of 18 sports clubs on the Gold Coast (Australia) show lack of awareness about available funding, uncertainty about the process involved and an overall reluctance to apply. The strategic responses to institutional processes identified are acquiescence and compromise, suggesting that sports clubs chose a passive or the least active forms of response. Some sports clubs have increased their dependence on external consultants to develop the strategic plans which are required for grants. Recommendations for club management are discussed.