This PhD project focuses on expanding research into sport facilities’ climate vulnerability and its impact on the managing organizations in Italy. The study aims to explore how climate vulnerability affects organizations’ climate information orientation (CIO) and organizational climate capability (OCC), which subsequently influence their adaptive and market strategies. It seeks to apply and assess the CVSO (Climate Vulnerability of Sport Organizations) framework, hypothesizing that organizations in more climate-vulnerable areas may have higher CIO and lower OCC. The study also investigates how these factors might push organizations toward climate-induced isomorphic changes and market strategies like integration or diversification.

The research employs a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative tools such as interviews, observations, and questionnaires. This dual approach is intended to provide a deeper understanding of sport facilities’ climate vulnerability, contributing to the development of a Climate Vulnerability Sport Facilities model. A multiple case study design will enhance external validity and offer a comprehensive view of complex contexts.

The project is structured in five phases: scientific review, sampling, questionnaire and interview design, data collection, and analysis. By using both qualitative and quantitative data, the research aims to validate or challenge the hypotheses related to sport facilities’ climate vulnerability and its influence on organizational strategies. The outcome could result in pioneering methodologies for understanding climate challenges in sports management in Italy.

Researcher: Giorgio Portaluri
Project coordinator: Francesca Vicentini
Start date: 11/2020