Exploring the Organizational Identity Structure of National Sports Federations: What Makes a Federative Identity Structure Unique?

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The study investigates the Organizational Identity Structure and Formation of Sports Federations with a Meta-Structure that has not been previously studied. The aim of this research is to address the questions of how sports federations possess an organizational identity structure and what roles external stakeholders play in the formation of these identities. While the existing literature emphasizes that federations may have organizational identity structures, the contents and formation processes of these identities have not yet been thoroughly examined. In this study, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the managers of six different sports federations in Turkey. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that sports federations typically have a tripartite corporate identity structure, namely “pragmatic,” “normative,” and “idealist.” Relationships with external stakeholders, especially with International Federations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and sponsor companies play a crucial role in shaping the identities of federations. The study contributes to the understanding of the corporate identity structures of sports federations and provides new insights to the literature in this field. Additionally, practical recommendations are offered for resolving identity conflicts encountered in the management of sports federations.