Adoption of the Internet in Local Sporting Bodies: An Innovation Diffusion Approach

The primary aim of this study was to determine the Internet applications being adopted within local sporting clubs and to determine the adoption factors that affect both local sporting clubs and their members. Within this primary aim, the study examined, The areas where Internet applications are being employed; The factors that drive the adoption of these Internet applications; and An assessment of the impact of these Internet applications on local sporting clubs and their members. These applications, drivers and impacts are incorporated into a framework of Internet adoption for local sporting clubs. Rogers ’ (2003) Innovation-Decision Process provided the basis for the framework, which was modified for the study. Rogers ’ (2003) framework not only provided the initial factors to be considered that affect such adoptions, but also a series of stages which encompass the innovation process. This study can be considered interpretivist in nature. The research method for this study employed the case study method, involving a number of cases. This approach was chosen as it fits with addressin