Contemporary Politics and Sport Governance: Isomorphisms and Institutional Dynamics
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This conceptual study investigates the structural convergences between contemporary politics and elite sports governance systems, analyzing how the sporting ecosystem mirrors broader state-level political dynamics. It examines the operational similarities between macro-state governance and sports institutions regarding charismatic leadership, social adhesion mechanisms, and public legitimacy among constituencies. Integrating Institutional Theory, Upper Echelons Theory, and Public Administration frameworks, the paper analyzes the structural alignment and isomorphism between public sector mandates and autonomous federative regulations. Furthermore, it evaluates systemic frictions arising from executive decision-making biases, co-opted digital media networks, and evolving stakeholder expectations. To address these challenges, the research proposes a dual-interface governance framework that embeds standardized process management, quality assurance, and project management standards into the technical core of sports organizations. The study demonstrates how aligning leadership ethics with structural operational safeguards transforms institutional vulnerability into long-term organizational resilience and public value.
Author: Vento Glave, Cesar Arturo
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208770974
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