Nhoranthesis (2.570Mb)
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Title - ‘An investigation into whether the GAA's embrace of professionalism is being hindered by it’s inherited culture.” Author - Niall Horan "This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment o f the requirements for achieving a Master in Business Strategy and Innovation Management” “An Investigation into -wlietlier tke GAA’s embrace of professionalism is being hindered By its inherited culture. Acknowledgements/Dedications ■ The writer would like to dedicate this dissertation to his parents and sister for all their time, generosity and patience throughout the course of this difficult project. It is greatly appreciated. ■ To all the interviewees who took part in the findings of the dissertation, the time and cooperation you have given ine is again greatly appreciated. ■ To all my classmates, three in particular who have given their time to help me form and complete this project. ■ To my supervisor Larry El wood for his advicc throughout the year. “An investigation into whether the GAAs embrace ol professionalism is being hindered by its inherited culture. Table of Contents Acknowledgements/Dedications........................... I Table of Contents........................................................................................................................... II List of Figures................................................................................... V List of Tables..................................................................................................................................VI List of Appendices........................................................................................................................VII List of Abbreviations................................................................................................................... VIII Abstract..........................................................................................................................................IX 1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................1 1.1 Motivation behind study.....................................................................................................6 2.0 Literature Review.....................................................................................................................7 2.1 Purpose of the Literature Review...................................................................................... 7 2.2 Origins and Values of the Gaelic Athletic Association......................................................7 2.3 Culture, Identity and Uniqueness.................................................................................... 13 2.4 Change Management in a sporting context.................................................................... 22 2.5 Ethical Matters relating to a professional GAA.................................................... 30 2.6 Conclusion to Literature Review.............................. 35 3.0 - Research Methodology..................................................................... 36 3.1 What is a Research Methodology?..................................................................................36 3.2 Purpose of Research Methodology..................................................................................36 3.3 Research Process Stages...................................................................................................37 3.4 Stage One: Problem Definition......................................................................................... 37 3.4.1 Research Question.....................................................................................................39 3.4.1.1 Primary Objectives..................................................................................................39 3.4.1.2 Secondary Objectives........................... 39 3.4.2 - Critically reviewing the literature.......................................................................... 40 3.4.3 Secondary Data Sources............................................................................................ 41 3.4.3.1 Library and Other Searches..................................................................................41 “An investigation into whether tlxe GAA's embrace ol professionalism is being kinderedbij its inherited culture. 3.4.3.2 Previous Dissertations.............................................................................................42 3 .4.3.3 Database Searches Online...................................................................................... 42 3.4.4 Research Approach....................................................................................................42 3.5 Stage Two: Research Design.............................................................................................43 3.5.1 Research Strategy....................................................................................................... 44 3.5.2 Access and Address Ethical Issues........................ 45 3.5.2.1 Gaining Access......................................................................................................... 46 3.5.2.2 Ethical issues........................................................................................................... 46 3.6 Stage Three: Data Collection Methods............................................................................46 3.6.1 Primary Research......................................................................................... 47 3.7 Stage Four: Sampling......................................................................................................... 48 3.8 Stage Five: Fieldwork........................................................................................................ 49 3.9 Stage Six: Analysis of Data...................................................................... 51 3.10 Stage Seven: Presentation of results........................................................................ 52 3.11 Limitations of the research methodology..................................................................... 52 3.12 Conclusion........................................................................................................................53 4.0 Findings.................................................................................................................................. 54 4.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................54 4.2 Primary Objective...............................................................................................................54 4.3 Inherited GAA.....................................................................................................................55 4.4 Culture................................................................................................................................ 59 4.5 Professionalism..................................................................................................................63 4.6 Ethics - "right and wrong"................................................................................................66 4.7 Conclusion......................................................................................................... 70 5.0 Discussion & Conclusions.......................................................................... 71 5.1 Introduction.................................................................. 71 5.2 Summary of Research Methodology................................................................................71 5.3 Summary of Findings......................................................................................... 72 5.3.1 Primary Objective....................................................................................................... 73 “An investigation into whether tke GAA’s embrace of professionalism is being hindered bg its inherited culture. 5.3.2 An inherited GAA........................................................................................................ 73 5.3.3 Culture................................................................ 75 5.3.4 Professionalism.......................................................................................................... 77 5.3.5 Ethics........................................................................................................................... 79 5.4 Implications for Future Research & Conclusion............................................................80 Appendices....................................................................................................................................82 Appendix A - Letter sent to Interviewees..............................................................................82 Appendix B - List of interview questions...............................................................................83 Appendix C - Interview Responses in Full............................................................... 85 Bibliography................................................................................................................................. 97 IV “An investigation into whether the GAA's embrace of professionalism is being hindered by its inherited culture. List of Figures • Fig 2,1 Michael Cusack, original founder of the GAA. • Fig 2.2 Christy Cooney, present acting GAA president. • Fig 2.3 All Black