A proposed model of administrative roles in recreation management

Abstract

This paper reports on qualitative research based upon role theory and using Talcott Parson's Theory of Action as a framework to explore factors that influence a recreation administrator when making decisions. Recreation administrators from all three sectors of the recreation industry (public, private and non-profit) participated in three rounds of in-depth interviews that focused on five dimensions of administrative responsibility: proactive administration; managerial efficiency; social equity; political responsiveness; and neutrality. After analysis of the transcriptions and input from both professional and academic reviewers, what has resulted is a proposed model of administrative roles in recreation management that recognises the existing literature yet takes a more comprehensive approach to understanding how recreation administrators perceive their role as they make decisions. While not yet fully developed, the proposed model has the potential to affect the profession in two specific ways. First, as we learn more about the multi-faceted and often nuanced roles of administrators for recreation programmes and services, we can change how we prepare new professionals for the field. Second, the proposed model gives recreation programme administrators a common framework for discussion about the changing role of management and decision making in recreational programmes.

Keywords:

• recreation
• management
• roles
• administrative responsibility
• decision making

Notes

1. Support for the Australian research was provided by Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, while ongoing support was provided by Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.

2. At the time, Petah Gibbs was a PhD student at Victoria University, Melbourne. He is currently lecturer in psychology in the School of Behavioural and Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

3. Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, University of Illinois and Director of the Illinois Rural Recreation Development Project.