Thesis

Journeys to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games : a storied exploration of volunteer involvement with mega sports events

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13792
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • This research explores volunteer involvement in the 'frontrunner' programme at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Through the lens of the metaphorical volunteer journey, it responds to a call for research into the backgrounds of mega-sports event (MSE) volunteers, their relationship with the event and the outcomes of their involvement (Baum and Lockstone, 2007). Drawing inspiration from Clandinin and Connelly (2000) on narrative inquiry, this study expands the focus of volunteer involvement at MSEs through narrative exploration of the volunteer journey. Individual story-sharing sessions (ISS) and group-based reflexive story-sharing sessions (GRSS), provide insights into the volunteer experience from the individual and group perspectives. Fourteen frontrunner stories of individual journeys are presented, with consideration for the past, present and anticipated future. These are accompanied by a frontrunner group story, highlighting the coming together of individuals into a volunteer group. The findings suggest that the decision to volunteer is complex and distinct to each individual in relation to their lived experience. In addition, it is suggested that the frontrunner group comes together within and out with the organisational context, with a common objective of hosting a successful Games for Glasgow. The findings also indicate that the volunteer experience has transformational potential for those involved and there is scope for legacy creation through the frontrunner programme.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1036567

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