Understanding Stakeholder Status and Legitimate Power Exertion within Community Sport Events: A Case Study of the Christchurch (New Zealand) City to Surf

Abstract

A community sport event (CSE) is an event staged for social, fun and entertainment value, with a primary target of local community audiences. These events can aid in developing a sense of place, encourage participation in sport and stimulate pride in the community in which they take place (Edwards, 2015). As the range, number and popularity of CSEs continue to grow rapidly so too do the number of event associated stakeholders (Carter et al., 2011; Donaldson & Finch, 2013; Klapp, 2006; Masterman, 2007; Pettigrew et al., 2013). Together these stakeholders form networks based on their influence over, and relationships between, one another (Rowley, 1997). Such networks are supplemented by an expanding assortment of stakeholder interests, which can increase the potential for conflict and lead to complex stakeholder power struggles.