��n Examination of Personality Traits of Motorsports Management Students by Joyce A. Young, Kimberly J. Bodey, Joseph T. Harder, & Randell colleges in the U.S. that offer programs in Motorsports Management Peters, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA (e.g., Belmont Abbey College, Winston-Salem State University, Indiana State University, East Tennessee State University, and Abstract Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis). Though For the motorsports industry, there is a strong desire to recruit such programs are relatively new and have typically evolved from individuals that have realistic expectations of the profession as traditional sport management degrees, motorsports practitioners well as exhibit the personality traits needed to be successful in have provided substantive input into the design of each program. the industry over time. The study sought to examine and compare Given the international aspects of the motorsports industry, we also personality traits of motorsports management students to those of note a number of universities in England such as Oxford Brookes practitioners currently working in the industry and non-motorsports University and Cranfield University that offer programs of study management students drawn from the general student population. in Motorsports Engineering. This study is the first known attempt to operationalize and validate In addition, industry insiders have provided antidotal evidence many of the personality characteristics identified by Jenkins, that identify certain personality characteristics that predict Pasternak, and West (2005) to predict career success in motorsports. career success in motorsports (Jenkins et al., 2005). While much The study concluded that the primary difference among potential discussion and research addresses the career needs of sport job seekers is the perceived passion they possess to underscore a management students in general (Mathner & Martin, 2012), there strong desire to work in motorsports. We suggest students with is an absence of academic research which focuses specifically on pre-university enrollment industry work experience coupled with the characteristics of students entering the motorsports industry. motorsports-related internships during and immediately after a In addition, prior research suggests certain segments of the sport planned program of study will continue to express “a high sense management industry may view the importance of various job of calling to the field”. These individuals are more suited for the competencies differently (Cuskelly & Auld, 1991). Therefore, in demands of the sport and thus better overall job candidates. an effort to begin the academic research stream, this exploratory Keywords: racing industry, career preparation, passion study seeks to examine and compare personality traits of motorsports management students to those of practitioners in the Over the last two decades with Formula 1 leading the way, industry. In addition, we examine and compare personality traits of motorsports has grown to become one of the most popular spectator motorsports management students to those of the general student sports in the world (Gifford, 2006; Graham, 2012). Motorsports population. is a significant global industry valued at approximately $100 billion, with the United States (U.S.) representing the largest Background consumer at 26 percent (Connaughton & Madsen, 2007; Henry, Personality traits are those components of personality that are Angus, Jenkins, & Aylett, 2007; Klacik, 2012). NASCAR, with an heritable, developmentally stable, and emotion-based. The traits, estimated 75 million fans, rivals only the National Football League discovered or learned within a particular socio-cultural context, as the preeminent spectator sport in the U.S. (Wolfe, 2006). The may also reflect personal goals and values (Eley, Eley, Young, & NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the second most watched regular Rogers-Clark, 2010). The identification of preferred personality season sport on television and NASCAR fans are the most brand traits have been undertaken in most professions (Borges & loyal (72%) when buying products/services associated with the Savickas, 2002); however, most empirical findings suggest there is sport (OʼMalley, 2002). no one “type” of person who chooses a given profession (Eley et Motorsports represents a sizeable portion of the entertainment al., 2010). Despite these findings, long term career success in the industry influencing other major industries such as hospitality motorsports workforce may require individuals to possess specific and tourism, and is comprised of a variety of constituents such as personality traits. In their effort to develop a framework for success sanctioning bodies, race teams, drivers, race track operators, race in Formula 1, the leading form of racing in the world, Jenkins et al. promoters, race equipment suppliers, merchandise and services (2005) spent several years interviewing individuals experienced vendors, broadcast and media partners, and corporate partners and familiar with the demands of the sport. As a result, the authors and sponsors (Gailey & Young, 2012; Young, 2010). The health identified personality traits deemed vital to individual and team of the U.S. motorsports industry is directly tied to the economy, performance in the sport. Specifically, the authors determined these arguably more so than other sports (Edwards, Alderman, & Estes, characteristics to be of particular interest: collaborative, focused, 2010), with its almost singular reliance on sponsorship dollars trustworthy, ethical, leadership, decision making, and passionate. to fund race teams. Economic impact studies in North Carolina We define and briefly discuss each below in the context of the and Indiana document the existence and growth of thousands of motorsports industry. motorsports industry jobs (Connaughton & Madsen, 2007; Klacik, 2012). Yet, there are only a handful of four-year universities and volume 8, issue 2 33 An Examination of Personality Traits Personality Traits that never materialized (Wells, 2008). The action endangered Collaborative. According to Sveiby and Simons (2002), an Fisherʼs entry into the Indianapolis 500 and eventually resulted in individual demonstrates collaborative behavior when he/she has a default judgment in her favor of $2.2 million. Unfortunately, the a willingness to work with others and share knowledge. In racing, motorsports industry has historically attracted “more than its fair team roles tend to be clearly defined. Individuals know how their share of shady characters” (ESPN.com, 2008). Mismanagement jobs interconnect with others in the organization and precise, and/or theft of funds can quickly result in failed relationships and orchestrated actions are planned beforehand (Jenkins et al., 2005). failed ventures. A real-life example underscores the concern. A The pit stop is an often cited example of teamwork (Lawhorn, team manager was found guilty of embezzling $1.5 million from 2009). Individual crew members perform assigned tasks such as the owner by creating bogus invoices related to car parts (Novack, refueling, tire changes, and mechanical repairs concurrently. Poor 2003). performance in any aspect of the pit stop can cost a driver precious Ethical. Brown, Sautter, Littvay, Sautter, & Bearnes (2010) positions on the track. described an ethical outlook as a heightened sense of morality Teamwork is critical to success away from the track as well. or an active vigilance in regard to justice. The importance of Innovations relating to racing equipment can be dependent on ethical behavior in motorsports was emphasized by Jenkins et al. successful collaboration between designers and partners that (2005) in their discussion of Formula 1 teams. Having personal provide raw materials and component parts. For instance, the integrity and “doing the right thing” enables an environment of first Formula 1 car fabricated from carbon fiber resulted from the open communication and collaboration among individuals within collaboration between a Formula 1 team and an aerospace supplier the organization. Yet, race teams continue to push the “ethical (Delbridge & Mariotti, 2009). envelope.” Richard Petty recently stated “Donʼt get caught…Go And on race day, personnel from sanctioning bodies, race tracks, as far as you can without getting caught…We got caught with a race teams, the media, and sponsors work together to produce a couple of things…but again, look at what we didnʼt get caught at” racing event. For example, sanctioning bodies enforce the rules (Skretta 2013, p. 4b). that teams must follow. Race tracks provide medical, safety, and Motorsports is a global “sport” governed by The Federation security workers that keep fans and teams protected as well as offer Internationale de lʼAutomobile (FIA). Located in Paris France, the venues for sponsors to entertain invited guests. Track personnel FIA administers rules and regulations for motorsportsʼ sanctioning give direction and assistance to the media in terms of assembling bodies around the world. The Automobile Competition Committee broadcast equipment. Each weekend demands a well-planned and for the United States (ACCUS) is part of the U. S. affiliate of the FIA implemented event with multiple parties collaborating to achieve which includes NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, USAC, IMSA, among success. others. The FIA Ethics Committee is specifically responsible for Focused. An individual that persists with a task to its safeguarding the integrity and