Examining the longitudinal structure, stability, and dimensional interrelationships of team identification

Authors: Lock, D., Funk, D.C., Doyle, J.P., McDonald, H.

Journal: Journal of Sport Management

Publication Date: 01/01/2014

Volume: 28

Issue: 2

Pages: 119-135

eISSN: 1543-270X

ISSN: 0888-4773

DOI: 10.1123/jsm.2012-0191

Abstract:

The propensity of strongly identified fans to contribute positive organizational outcomes for sport teams underpins why team identification maintains a central position in sport management. In the current study we examine the multidimensional structure, stability, and interrelationships between the dimensions of team identification, using longitudinal data (April 2011-April 2012) collected from fans of a new Australian Rules football team (N = 602). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the team identification items included (measured using the Team*ID scale), supported a five-dimensional model structure. This model was subsequently computed as a longitudinal CFA to test the configural and metric invariance of the Team*ID scale. We used a cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal stability of, and interrelationships between, the dimensions: affect, behavioral involvement, cognitive awareness, private evaluation, and public evaluation. Each dimension displayed relative stability over time. In addition, public evaluation and private evaluation in April 2011 displayed a positive relationship with behavioral involvement in April 2012. Similarly, cognitive awareness in April 2011 predicted increases in public evaluation in April 2012. We conclude with implications for theory and practice. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/23511/

Source: Scopus