Knowledge management in youth sport organizations

Abstract

In an information society organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the means in which they create, distribute and communicate information. This is also known as knowledge management. The thesis examines the potential that knowledge management offers to youth sports organizations and its current state in a specific youth sports organization. The thesis attempts to solve its research questions by presenting certain aspects of the theory of knowledge management that might prove useful for youth sports organizations in general. These aspect are outlined to the following four perspectives: information creation & distribution, information storage, education & development and communication skills. The current state of knowledge management in youth sport organizations is evaluated by analyzing empirical data from a case-organization (GrIFK, ice hockey) fitted with the theoretical framework built around knowledge management. The thesis and its corresponding interviews and questionnaires were conducted in the spring of 2014. The interview was conducted with the Sports Director of the caseorganization and the questionnaire with the organization’s coaches. The study is research-oriented and relies on qualitative research methodology. Thus it does not intend to provide generalizable anwers but in-depth understanding and preliminary findings regarding the issue. With a theory-connected premise the thesis attempts to attach knowledge management into youth sports organizations in general and the case-organization in particular. For the examination of the empirical data gathered the study employs content analysis. The thesis concludes with theoretical, practical and detailed key findings regarding the issue.The results provides numerous insights about the practical usefulness of knowledge management when improving youth sports organizations and indicates topics for future research.