Exploring how a disability sport charity utilises exchange relationships with external organisations to sustain operations in times of lockdown

Abstract

National lockdowns exacerbated the inequalities that many disabled people faced in accessing and engaging in sport and physical activity. Like many organisations, disability sport and physical recreation-focused charities were constrained in their ability to deliver and sustain their services during such periods. This study explored the exchange relationships between a disability sport charity and its existing and prospective business clients as the former rolled key elements of its provision online. Resource mobilisation theory was employed as a framework by which to identify key resource types and mechanisms underpinning the exchanges between the businesses and the charity. Semi-structured interviews with participants from eight businesses were conducted to understand the dynamics of such resource exchange. Moral resources featured prominently in participants’ accounts, particularly in relation to the legitimacy of the charity and authenticity of its delivery, with human resources also receiving much attention due to facilitators’ engaging delivery styles. Overall, the charity was able to extend its organisational mission of increasing inclusion in physical activity beyond its own programmes via businesses through which it shares exchange relationships, emphasising the importance of such relationships both during and beyond lockdown periods.