Racing for a Successful Collaboration in a Temporary International Large-Scale Event. The case of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun 2015

Abstract

ABSTRACT Throughout the world there has been an increased attention for international large-scale sports events, but there is still little knowledge of how they operate. The particular relationship as well as the organizational structure and coordination between organizers within large-scale events have not been studied to a large extent. Since large-scale events are truly international, the involved stakeholders operate across borders, which further adds a dimension to the relationship. Due to the often temporary aspect of international large-scale events and thus their diverse network of temporary partnerships, they are seen as highly complex. They are becoming more prevalent and there is a need for deeper exploration as they have attracted little attention in research and specifically misses out on cases on meaningful relations in terms of collaboration and coordination. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between international and national stakeholders towards the successful hosting and managing of a temporary international large-scale event. It intends, in greater depth, to understand the complex nature of international large-scale sports events in regards to challenges and meaningful collaboration and coordination. Interviews with 14 respondents and a participant observation of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun 2015 constitute the basis for this thesis. The main conclusion of this study implies that even though the relationship is structured in accordance to the hosting contract, trust appears to be a necessity and of critical importance as it facilitated the collaboration and coordination in the relationship. The stakeholders moreover highlighted the relationship as a partnership.