first cycle, Master
Organizational Behavior & Development in Sports Organizations (E) (WP)*
Niveau
Learning outcomes of the courses/module
The participants:
• are able to critically examine the behavioral dynamics and development processes within sports organizations.
• will be able to apply sport-specific organizational behavior concepts to real-world dynamics involving leadership, team performance, organizational culture, and workplace conflict.
• know how individual, group, and organizational-level behaviors influence performance, leadership, culture, and change in sport settings.
• know how to apply theories of motivation, communication, power, and conflict resolution in the context of different kinds of sport organizations (top and grassroot level, NPO and FPO).
• will be able to design and evaluate organizational development interventions, diagnose challenges in complex environments.
• are able to critically examine the behavioral dynamics and development processes within sports organizations.
• will be able to apply sport-specific organizational behavior concepts to real-world dynamics involving leadership, team performance, organizational culture, and workplace conflict.
• know how individual, group, and organizational-level behaviors influence performance, leadership, culture, and change in sport settings.
• know how to apply theories of motivation, communication, power, and conflict resolution in the context of different kinds of sport organizations (top and grassroot level, NPO and FPO).
• will be able to design and evaluate organizational development interventions, diagnose challenges in complex environments.
Prerequisites for the course
not applicable
Course content
This course addresses the behavioral foundations and development strategies in sport organizations through both individual and organizational lenses, with a particular focus on how behavior impacts leadership, performance, inclusion, and change. It introduces key concepts in individual behavior, including motivation theories, and examines group dynamics and team leadership, and organizational-level behavior, including leadership theories and political behavior within sport organizations. An additional focus is placed on organizational culture, organizational development frameworks, change management theories, resistance to change, and communication strategies during transformation processes. Contemporary issues and the impact of globalization on organizational behavior in sport are also critically discussed.
Case studies are used to integrate theory with practice.
Case studies are used to integrate theory with practice.
Recommended specialist literature
Barnhill, C. R., Smith, N. L., & Oja, B. D. (2021). Organizational behavior in sport management: An applied approach to understanding people and groups. Palgrave Macmillan.
Cummings, T. G. & Worley, C. (2019). Organization development & change. Cengage Learning.
MacIntosh, E., & Burton, L. (2025). Organizational behavior in sport management. Human Kinetics.
Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T. (2023). Organizational behavior. Pearson.
Schein, E. H. (2016). Organizational culture and leadership. John Wiley & Sons.
Cummings, T. G. & Worley, C. (2019). Organization development & change. Cengage Learning.
MacIntosh, E., & Burton, L. (2025). Organizational behavior in sport management. Human Kinetics.
Robbins, S. P. & Judge, T. (2023). Organizational behavior. Pearson.
Schein, E. H. (2016). Organizational culture and leadership. John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment methods and criteria
Portfolio exam
Language
English
Number of ECTS credits awarded
4
Semester hours per week
Planned teaching and learning method
seminar
Semester/trimester in which the course/module is offered
2