Sustainable performance : a comparison between the sports, corporate and arts industries

Abstract

This study sought to recognise individual sustainability as a tangible and identifiable concept, by beginning to determine some of the contributing factors of individual sustainability of performance, or individual sustainability of competitive advantage. As no comprehensive research presently exists in relation to individual sustainability, the approach taken was to build on and extend current research, as well as addressing issues on individual sustainability of performance. An accepted theoretical framework (the resource based theory) was used to guide data collection, and both elite sustainable and elite non-sustainable performers participated. The primary focus of the research was to identify the processes, (individual and historical variables), that were characteristics of sustained performers at an elite level. So that this could be accomplished, a number of aims were proposed, including: To determine the relationship between sustained performance, levels of sustained performance and specific individual and historical variables; to identify whether differences exist as a function of gender; and to identify whether differences exist due to type of performance discipline. A multi-method approach was used, with 50 individuals completing a questionnaire, and 18 individuals participating further in an interview. Results indicated significant differences between sustainable and non-sustainable performers on a variety of variables. For example, sustainable performers demonstrated a significantly higher level of innate confidence as compared to non-sustainable performers. The concept of failure was also highlighted as being of singular importance. Criticality of gender, both generally, and in relation to sustainability was established, with differences also being revealed between industries. Specific variables such as gender, confidence and failure were found to be predictors of sustainability. The findings clearly indicated areas for future consideration in the research and development of the concept of individual sustainability.

Date of Award	2007
Original language	English