Conceptualizing effectiveness in a non‐profit organizational environment : An exploratory study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to empirically identify a coherent set of effectiveness measures, which attempts to accommodate the interests and expectations of the most influential constituent groups directly participating in the operation of the Greek national sports organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The multiple constituency approach to effectiveness provides the theoretical basis for developing the multi‐dimensional measure of effectiveness. A survey design was employed to collect data from 423 respondents from the 20 largest Greek national sports organizations. Findings – The analysis of the results revealed an interpretable set of effectiveness measures consisting of five dimensions, namely calibre of the board and external liaisons, interest in athletes, internal procedures, long‐term planning and sports science support. The results clearly illuminate the effectiveness‐related expectations of the five constituent groups of the particular context and appear consistent with relevant literature deriving from different sectors. Originality/value – This study broadens both the meaning and the determinants of organizational effectiveness in an under‐researched organizational context, that of the non‐profit Greek national sports organizations. The findings reported extend understanding about how effectiveness can be conceptualized in the particular context based on the multiple‐constituency approach. Evidence is also provided that the particular set of measures has the potential to provide meaningful insights into the content of the interest groups' expectations, in the particular context.