Operationalization of the Resource Investments Construct of Recreational Sport Event

Abstract

Research models should be grounded in sound theory. This applies to models attempting to elucidate why individuals participate in recreational sport event. Social phenomena have often been understood in terms of interpersonal behavior between individuals. Therefore, this article proposes that resource theory, which has been used widely to explain interpersonal relationships, can help us understand participation in recreational sport events. This study develops an instrument to assess the resources that participants and organizers deploy as they participate in recreational sport events. We detail a two-staged process of analysis. Initially, a pool of items is developed using six widely cited dimensions in resource theory: love, status, information, services, goods, and money. Second, each subscale is examined and modified so that it is appropriate for understanding participation in recreational sport events. Results show that these items in particular and resource theory in general are useful in understanding participant–organizer relationships within recreational sport events.