Intercollegiate Athletics and Institutional Fundraising: A Meta-Analysis
Over the last 30 years, various studies have given diverse conclusions regarding the significance of intercollegiate athletics on institutional giving. The researchers of these studies have derived the findings from different variables creating confusion concerning who or what to believe since there is no consistency in the methodologies used and the recorded results (Martinez, et al. 2010). Hence, this article is focused on conducting a meta-analysis on some of these earlier studies to provide an overall conclusion regarding the motion. Some of the hypotheses of this study include the significance of alumni and non-alumni on the motion and the comparison of the influence of intercollegiate athletics on public and private institutions fundraising.
A total of 75 publications on the motion were initially chosen though through various processes involved during the collection, extraction, and analysis of data the number declined to 26 studies that were considered eligible for the meta-analysis. Tests and analysis of the information were performed (Martinez, et al. 2010). The meta-analysis’ findings concluded that the intercollegiate athletics have a significant influence on both the private and public institutional giving, but the implication is small. Alumni donors are more active than non-alumni on institutional giving related to athletic success. Additionally, institutions which are more active in football activities have more donors compared to other sports.
Regarding the results of the meta-analysis, it is evident that athletic success is not a priority of the institutional fundraisers. Although they play a particular role in promoting athletic success in the learning institutions, they are not entirely aware it can significantly augment academic-based institutional giving (Stinson, et al. 2007). Furthermore, investing more in athletic giving like when institutional fundraising is concerned, the donors are promoting talents of the students in those schools by providing them with the necessary resources. As much as more alumni donors should be encouraged to participate in athletic and academic giving, other potential givers should also be mobilized to increase their level of participation because they are too affected directly or indirectly by the athletic success and giving in the institutions. Therefore, there would be no need of a meta-analysis for clarification regarding the motion, when more attention is paid concerning the significance of intercollegiate athletics on institutional fundraising. Otherwise, there would be consistency in the conclusions made regarding the same.
References
Martinez, J. M., Stinson, J. L., Kang, M., & Jubenville, C. B. (2010). Intercollegiate athletics and institutional fundraising: A meta-analysis. Sport Marketing Quarterly.
Stinson, J. L., & Howard, D. R. (2007). Athletic success and private giving to athletic and academic programs at NCAA institutions. Journal of Sport Management, 21(2), 235-264.
