Editor-in-Chief Lecture
Author
Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
One of the primary objectives of research is to test, refine, construct, and utilize theories. The most crucial prerequisite for achieving these goals is theorizing-the process of conceptualizing various ideas or issues (conceptual models or frameworks). The experiences of sport management theorists indicated that following research trends, gaining practical industry experience, and engaging in dialogue with researchers and practitioners can significantly aid the theorizing process. Furthermore, a vital method of theorizing is the conceptualization and integration of diverse concepts. The ability to conceptualize is paramount during the coding stage of qualitative research; it relies on the researcher’s mastery of theoretical foundations, enabling metaphorical understanding, fluid subjectivity, profound insight, and deep thinking. No theory can emerge without the cultivation of concepts; essentially, it is the determination and explanation of logical relationships between these concepts that leads to theory construction (theorization). Theorizing pertains more to the ability to frame or structure issues, topics, or related concepts, serving as the precursor to theory construction. Various methods exist for framing topics, such as multu-level analysis and systems approaches, which can be visualized through various formats including diagrams, tables, and other visual aids. Theorizing is the outcome of conceptualization—the act of shaping or proposing a theory. Whenever this process aims to explain a reality or phenomenon and adheres to the specific logical rules of a particular field of knowledge, the result is considered theory construction.
The field of Sport Management evolved within Physical Education and Sport Science departments. Initially, management researchers were not involved in this area and showed little interest in sports studies; instead, specialists in sociology, psychology, and biological sciences dominated sports research. Consequently, unlike other specialized branches of sport science, a distinct theoretical foundation specific to sport management did not immediately take shape. For this reason, much work remains for sport management thinkers and researchers to expand their horizons and theoretical bases. Although sport management researchers have borrowed their theoretical frameworks and research tools from other disciplines, they have been less successful in developing field-specific theories compared to sport psychology and sport sociology. Developing proprietary theories requires years of rigorous work and qualitative research. Many researchers have emphasized constructing sport management theories through theory-driven research or literature reviews to establish cohesion within the foundations of the field.
Typically, the first step in theorizing is the precise description of the subject, concept, or phenomenon under study. In this initial stage, researchers observe, describe, and measure phenomena with high precision. This stage must be conducted comprehensively and objectively, without being influenced by the researcher’s personal attitudes or values. Otherwise, subsequent steps in the theorization process will be fundamentally flawed. The second step involves the classification of knowledge and findings. Through classification, researchers attempt to simplify and organize the relationships between phenomena and their expected outcomes (framing). In the third step, researchers explore the relationships and correlations between different categories and the observed outcomes. At the conclusion of this stage, it can be said that a descriptive model or descriptive theory has been formed. The descriptive phase in the theorization process is a preliminary and foundational stage, as researchers must pass through it to eventually propose a specific theory.
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