THE FORMATION OF ORGANIZATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE
Abstract
The formation of organizations is an important process in our society. Yet, little research exists on the factors that influence this process. Thus, this study was devised to contribute to the literature on organizational formation and to formulate a framework for the study of organizational formation. A case study was done of the formation of the North American Soccer League. Historical data was collected from various secondary sources. Influential factors were found to exist at the environmental, organizational, and individual levels. At the environmental level, the cultural environment was an influential factor in organizational formation: the NASL was formed when the cultural environment was guided by a leisure ethic. The legal environment was also influential in organizational formation: the legal system provided incentives for the formation of NASL. In addition, the demographic environment was influential in organizational formation: a high degree of urbanization helped to promote the formation of the NASL. Within the organizational level, it was found that the NASL was formed when the sports environment was non-competitive. An adequate supply of players and coaches was also influential in the NASL's formation. At the individual level, those individuals who were influential in the formation of the NASL were wealthy and had a "love of sports." Additional factors were somewhat influential in organizational formation, but these factors were not uniformly supported. At the environmental level, the economic environment was somewhat influential in organizational formation: high Gross National Products and stock market levels positively influenced the NASL's formation. At the organizational level, the availability of facilities was somewhat influential in the NASL's formation, as was the existence of subsidization. In addition, a positive attitude toward soccer was somewhat influential in the formation of the NASL. These findings have important implications for the organizational literature and for the formers of organizations.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Social structure
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