An analysis of the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education, Recreation Association (1981--2005)

This study was designed to identify the underlying factors that contributed to the formation and development of a faith-based, professional organization---the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education, Recreation Association (SDA-HPERA). The three Research Questions for this study were: (a) How have the values and mores of the SDA church influenced the SDA-HPERA's areas of emphasis as perceived by key informants? (b) What values and goals distinguish this organization from other similar entities? and (c) How has the development of the SDA-HPERA fit within Organizational Life Cycle Theory?; The study design was an organizational case study. The methodology involved purposeful sampling and flexible data collection, particularly through the use of interviews and the review of historical documents and artifacts. The sample included 22 individuals categorized as pioneers, past-presidents, or career educational administrators.; Three primary findings from this study included: (a) key informants believed the values and mores of the SDA church are manifested through the SDA-HPERA's mission statement and ongoing efforts in areas such as the "body-temple" concept, healthy lifestyle principles, and service to others; (b) the spiritual dimension of the SDA-HPERA and its accompanying lifestyle values symbolized by the acronym NEWSTART are distinctive for physical education-related professional organizations; and (c) the development of the SDA-HPERA followed Quinn & Cameron's Organizational Life Cycle model (Quinn & Cameron, 1983).; While the research questions provided specific focus for this study, other outcomes emerged from data analysis: (a) the formation and function of the SDA-HPERA has supported professionalism for physical educators within the Seventh-day Adventist church; (b) there is a perceived discrepancy between philosophy and practice of the Body-Mind-Spirit triad in SDA education; and (c) there is a long-standing discrepancy between policy and practice for interscholastic sports in SDA education.; While this study has provided an understanding of how the SDA-HPERA began and has developed since its inception, scholars may wish to examine other faith-based organizations to see how their development fits the conceptual framework of Organizational Life Cycle Theory. They may also wish to explore what role the spiritual dimension plays in an organization, and how that role impacts the organization's outcomes.