Affiliations: [a] School of Business, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia | [b] Honorary Senior Research Fellow, School of Marketing Tourism and Leisure, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia | [c] Researcher, University of Western Sydney, School of Business, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Abel Duarte Alonso, Ph.D., Researcher and Lecturer, University of Western Sydney, School of Business, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 2571, Australia. Tel.: +61 02 9685 9436; Fax: +61 02 9685 9593; E-mail: a.duartealonso@uws.edu.au
Abstract: Different developments, including economic crises or costs of compliance have significantly changed the way organisations operate, and impacted their ability to thrive and achieve long-term success. In this complex scenario, professional sport organisations are also exposed to every-day pressures and demands. Using the case of one professional Australian Rugby Union organisation, the present study examines the complexity posed by contemporary changes, including competition and technology, and the way these developments have impacted this sport. Moreover, the study investigates the how and why of organisational change in complex times. Interviews were conducted among Rugby administrators, who hold managerial and marketing roles. The findings emphasise a state of change being implemented within the studied Rugby organisation. Further, differences are noticed between how change is conceptualised and enacted by administrators. The study discusses the implications of the findings for the sport organisation and for professional Rugby in Australia.
Keywords: Complexity theory, change, professional sport organisations, Rugby Union, administrators
