Policy transfer, lesson drawing and perspectives on elite sport development systems

Author: Green, Mick

Source: International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, Volume 2, Number 4, 22 May 2007 , pp. 426-441(16)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $45.55 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Over the past 40 years at least, governments have shown a considerable willingness to devote significant sums of public or government controlled money (e.g. national lotteries) to the maintenance or improvement of elite (Olympic) sporting success. With a focus on the relationship between the UK and Australia, this paper explores the salience of the concepts of policy transfer and lesson drawing in an analysis of the development of elite sport systems. The evidence suggests that sport policymakers and bureaucrats in the UK have drawn lessons from Australia but primarily in the form of policy ideas or generalised discourses that legitimise and prioritise elite objectives. A 'dominant' elite sport discourse has potential ramifications for the design, implementation and evaluation of sport programmes. The conclusions therefore draw attention to some of the (potentially) deleterious consequences for sport management practice in the light of this dominant policy discourse.

Keywords: HEALTHCARE AND LEISURE JOURNALS; Leisure; MANAGEMENT JOURNALS; Operational Management, Marketing and Services

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2007.013715

Affiliations: 1: School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport and Leisure Policy, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK

Publication date: 2007-05-22

More about this publication?