The creation and development of an international sport federation: A case study of the International Triathlon Union from 1989--2000

Creating and developing an international sport federation is an early step before governing a sport on a global scale. Then the organization must seek International Olympic Committee recognition to become the legitimate international federation rather than being self proclaimed. Next the international federation lobbies to have its sport placed on the Olympic Games competition program. In just two years, the International Triathlon Union went from being a self-proclaimed world governing body for the sport in 1989 to being recognized officially as such from the IOC. Three years later the sport was placed on the competition program for the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games. No sport has accomplished so much in such a short period of time.;Using Institutional Theory as the framework, this study looked at identifying the various isomorphic influences exerted upon the International Triathlon Union as the organization moved towards its Olympic goal. While institutional theory describes why organizations move towards homogeneity, typically by three traditional isomorphisms, this study also looked at the variables of leadership and culture to see if they might also influence the direction of this international federation. Additionally, interaction between all the isomorphic influences and variables is also considered. Using a qualitative methodology incorporating heuristic inquiry and a constructionist philosophy, a variety of pressures, both internal and external, were exerted on the newly formed international federation.;Coercive isomorphism, provided by International Olympic Committee, was the strongest influence on the organization's creation and development. However, mimetic and normative isomorphic influences were also present indicating that a hierarchy and interaction exists among and between the three isomorphisms in this case study. Additionally, leadership and cultural influences also guided how ITU was created and developed. While Institutional Theory has focused on macro elements regarding an organization's move towards homogeneity, there is also evidence that micro elements provide similar sway.