Abstract (eng)
This thesis aims to show how organisational learning takes place in sports organisations by means of analysing one of Austria’s Landesdachverbände, i.e. national umbrella organisations. Using Peter Senge’s (2006) model of the learning organisation and the corresponding system-theoretical perspective on processes in organisations form the theoretical points of reference for this thesis. In this, special attention is given to perturbations (disruptions) of the system, which can induce learning. The results are interpreted with respect to the structures and particularities of the Austrian sports system.
To facilitate this aim, guideline-based interviews were conducted with five staff members and one stakeholder of the respective national umbrella organisation under scrutiny. Data analysis was conducted according to Mayring’s (2008) structuring qualitative content analysis.
BY way of conclusion, the results are discussed with respect to the opportunities and limitations of organisation learning in sports organisations, ultimately leading to hypotheses and concrete directives for managers of sports organisations in Austria. The research presented here may thus contribute to developing and improving quality in the sports system.
Learning in the national umbrella organisations in Austria takes place mostly through changes in their relevant environments.
It can be shown that perturbations of the changing environment will, if perceived acutely, lead to positive developments in sporting organisations in Austria. The theoretical concept of Peter Senge (2006) is partially fulfilled by the national umbrella organisation under scrutiny. Above all, the discipline of “personal mastery” is implemented in the organisation investigated here. This is reflected by the staff’s readiness for continued training and education. In contrast, however, pronounced or steep hierarchies in Austria’s sports organisations prevent the chance for learning and create structures resistant to change.