Examining post-merger sociocultural integration in sport

Research Question: The purpose of this study is to explore post-merger sociocultural integration in sport organizations by delving into the merger of elite and mass sport organizations in Korea. Research Methods: A qualitative case study design was employed, and content analysis was utilized to identify emergent themes from interviews and archival materials. Results and Findings: Sociocultural integration challenges, such as competing values, perceived unfairness, and human resource conflicts, in addition to antecedents and interventions related to post-merger sociocultural integration in complex multilevel sport organizations, are highlighted. Implications: A model illustrating antecedents, challenges, successful interventions, and mitigation strategies for the management of sociocultural integration in sport organization mergers is proposed. Propositions regarding post-merger sociocultural integration in complex multilevel sport organization mergers are also provided.