Identity crisis: a theoretical analysis of ‘team identification’ research

Abstract

Research question: Existing team identification research uses various definitions, conceptualisations, and theoretical frameworks. In this paper, we provide a theoretical analysis of previous research using the two dominant theoretical approaches: identity theory and the social identity approach. Our primary purpose is to provide a theoretical framework for the on-going study of 'team' identification in sport management research. Findings:Scholars have used identity theory (role) and the social identity approach (group) in their quest to understand team identification, however, limited attention has been paid to the differences between the two frameworks. We focus on two aspects of role and group Team identification Page 2 of 44 identification that epitomize divergence in terms of analytical focus and explanations for behavior: the basis for identification and salience.Implications. The manuscript concludes with three recommendations for future research.First, with the aim of making future research more specific, we recommend the use of fan (spectator) identification in studies using identity theory and team identification (organisation / brand) in studies exploring the influence of group identity. Second, we outline definitions for role (fan) and group (team) identification in sport research. Finally, we reflect on the measurement of team identification.

Exploring the Covid-19 Pandemic As a Catalyst for Stimulating Future Research Agendas for Managing Crises and Disasters at International Sport Events

“…One nexus is that understanding venue resilience requires emergency planning and risk assessment to account for the specific nature of fandom and sports crowds. In simple terms, sports fans are not just tourists (Walters et al, 2017), or travelers (Kozak et al, 2007), or consumers (Mair et al, 2016), but are also distinctive in their own right as a group with clear sporting identities that affect behavior (Lock & Heere, 2017). As such, this may affect their risk perception, and susceptibilities to risk taking and/or risk aversion (Kozak et al, 2007).…”

Sport consumer behaviour model: Motivators and constraints

“…C. Funk, 2017;E. W. Jang, Ko, Wann, & Chang, 2017;Lock & Heere, 2017). However, in this study and also Kim and Trail's (Kim & Trail, 2010), internal motivator was calculated to be the most important factor predicting the consumer behaviour.…”

“…C. Funk, Ridinger, & Moorman, 2004;Gau & Korzenny, 2009;W. E. Jang, Wann, & Ko, 2018;Lock & Heere, 2017;S.-H. Park et al, 2015;Shoham, Dalakas, & Lahav, 2015;Tacon & Vainker, 2017;Trail & James, 2001;Wang, Zhang, & Tsuji, 2011;Yoshida, 2017;Zapalac, Zhang, & Pease, 2010).…”

The Dark Side of Spectator Behavior: Effects of Spectator Dysfunctional Behavior on Anger, Rumination, and Revisit Intention

“…As dominant theoretical lenses, identity theory (Burke, 1991) and social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981) have been used to examine team identification in the sport management literature (Jacobson, 2003;Lock & Heere, 2017). Identity is defined as "a set of meanings applied to the self in a social role or situation defining what it means to be who one is" (Burke, 1991, p. 837).…”