Search results for ""Author Aaron C.T. Smith""

Book SynopsisWhy are so many people committed to sports? Why are they so committed? Why do fans remain loyal when this seems illogical and counter-intuitive?The Psychology of Sports Fans explains the intricate psychological foundations of sports fandom, exploring why sports hold such emotional power across cultures and demographics. This book uncovers how sports provide meaning, identity, and community, making them an essential part of human life. The book examines the psychological mechanisms behind sports fandom, including the formation of beliefs, emotional connections, and the role of rituals. It explores how sports fandom satisfies core psychological, social, and cultural needs, drawing parallels between sports and religious devotion. Through detailed analysis, the book reveals how sports beliefs align with the brain's inherent patterns, enhancing fans' sense of satisfaction, comfort, and belonging. It also discusses the impact of cognitive biases, emotional resilience, and the communal aspects of sports, providing a comprehensive understanding of why sports are so captivating and meaningful. This book is different to most commentaries on sport fans, which focus on what fans do rather than why they do it. Presenting examples from Europe and North America, alongside those from developing sports markets such as Australia and Asia, the book explores similarities as well as diversity in fandom, while also considering the impact of newer digital developments in sport.This book brings diverse explanations and cases together to reveal the psychology of sports fans, explaining how sport becomes embedded in the mind while delivering immense meaning and pro-social returns, despite the high investment costs. It will appeal to sports enthusiasts and anyone interested in sports fandom, sport psychology, sport sociology, and sport management.

Read more less

Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Introduction to Sport Marketing is a clear, straightforward, and concise introduction to the theory and practice of sport marketing, and the only sport marketing textbook you will ever need.Built around a step-by-step framework for developing effective sport marketing plans, and full of real-world, international cases, data, and examples, the text helps students to develop the essential skills and subject knowledge required to thrive in today's fast-paced sport industry. It covers sport marketing at all levels, from grassroots and community sport to international mega-events, and across all sectors from professional sport to public and not-for-profit organisations. Leading the reader through the marketing process, from analysis and setting a strategy to planning the marketing mix, implementation, and evaluation, the text introduces the products, services, distribution channels, and stakeholders that generate value, incl

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis revised and extended second edition evaluates the diverse approaches to organizational change that have defined the field. Explaining the assumptions and implications that accompany these diverse philosophies, this book demystifies the complexities of conflicting perspectives and delivers valuable insights into the research and practice of organizational change. Philosophies of Organizational Change employs a critical analysis of scholarly writings that have shaped the evolution of alternative perspectives on change. It examines twelve unique approaches to change, charting the territory from philosophy and theory to practice and implications. By uncovering the deep assumptions associated with organizational change, the book supplies readers with a comprehensive analytical toolkit with which to pursue change in an unprecedented era of organizational disruption.Offering a guide through contradictory approaches to implementing change, this book will appeal to scholars and researchers in organization theory. It will also be valuable for MBA and DBA students, as well as undergraduate business students engaging with critical debates on theories and tools for introducing change.Trade Review‘With impressive clarity and depth, this new edition of Philosophies of Organizational Change provides a map to guide us through the expansive terrain of change theory. It disentangles nearly a century of different interpretations and reveals how making sense of competing perspectives can lead to new insights. Philosophies of Organizational Change is a great resource for any scholar, student or practitioner who wants to prosper in a turbulent and uncertain organizational world where change is the only remaining constant.’ -- Wendy K. Smith, University of Delaware, USTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction – ‘changing philosophies’ 2. The theory philosophy: ‘changing theories’ 3. The rational philosophy: ‘changing plans’ 4. The biological philosophy: ‘changing organisms’ 5. The models philosophy: ‘changing consultants’ 6. The institutional philosophy: ‘changing conformity’ 7. The resource philosophy: ‘changing opportunities’ 8. The psychological philosophy: ‘changing minds’ 9. The systems philosophy: ‘changing everything’ 10. The cultural philosophy: ‘changing values’ 11. The critical philosophy: ‘changing realities’ 12. The innovation philosophy: ‘changing ideas’ 13. The dualities philosophy: ‘changing tensions’ 14. Conclusion: ‘changing futures’ Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis revised and extended second edition evaluates the diverse approaches to organizational change that have defined the field. Explaining the assumptions and implications that accompany these diverse philosophies, this book demystifies the complexities of conflicting perspectives and delivers valuable insights into the research and practice of organizational change. Philosophies of Organizational Change employs a critical analysis of scholarly writings that have shaped the evolution of alternative perspectives on change. It examines twelve unique approaches to change, charting the territory from philosophy and theory to practice and implications. By uncovering the deep assumptions associated with organizational change, the book supplies readers with a comprehensive analytical toolkit with which to pursue change in an unprecedented era of organizational disruption.Offering a guide through contradictory approaches to implementing change, this book will appeal to scholars and researchers in organization theory. It will also be valuable for MBA and DBA students, as well as undergraduate business students engaging with critical debates on theories and tools for introducing change.Trade Review‘With impressive clarity and depth, this new edition of Philosophies of Organizational Change provides a map to guide us through the expansive terrain of change theory. It disentangles nearly a century of different interpretations and reveals how making sense of competing perspectives can lead to new insights. Philosophies of Organizational Change is a great resource for any scholar, student or practitioner who wants to prosper in a turbulent and uncertain organizational world where change is the only remaining constant.’ -- Wendy K. Smith, University of Delaware, USTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction – ‘changing philosophies’ 2. The theory philosophy: ‘changing theories’ 3. The rational philosophy: ‘changing plans’ 4. The biological philosophy: ‘changing organisms’ 5. The models philosophy: ‘changing consultants’ 6. The institutional philosophy: ‘changing conformity’ 7. The resource philosophy: ‘changing opportunities’ 8. The psychological philosophy: ‘changing minds’ 9. The systems philosophy: ‘changing everything’ 10. The cultural philosophy: ‘changing values’ 11. The critical philosophy: ‘changing realities’ 12. The innovation philosophy: ‘changing ideas’ 13. The dualities philosophy: ‘changing tensions’ 14. Conclusion: ‘changing futures’ Index

Read more less