Exploring the critical determinants of organisational problems using data mining techniques: evidence from non-profit sports clubs in Germany

Abstract

Non-profit sports clubs in many countries experience problems relating to the recruitment/retention of members, volunteers, and coaches. The purpose of this study is to explore the critical determinants of these organisational problems. The analysis is undertaken using quantitative data from the Sports Development Report 2009/2010, a nationwide online survey of sports clubs in Germany (n = 19,345). Given the large number of cases and variables, the application of data mining techniques, which have a more explorative character than conventional statistical analyses, seems useful. The decision trees reveal that a club's approach (e.g. the club has a strategy), the number of members, football, and the share of members participating in social events are the critical determinants of organisational problems. Based on these findings, it can be recommended that sports clubs elaborate a strategy for their development and invest in social events when they want to reduce organisational problems.

Keywords:

• data mining
• decision tree
• non-profit sports club
• voluntary organisation
• exploratory analysis