Management of Sports Facilities: Stress and Terrorism Since 9/11

Abstract

Since 9/11, the world has been on alert and it is just a matter of time before a sports facility is targeted. No empirical studies have examined the stress levels of employees in sports facilities. Tangential studies will show, stress symptoms, changes in behavior and life style continued long after 9/11 to the point that it became a habit and no longer an isolated event. However, there is still the question of a secure work environment for the employees of these sports facilities. The current level of security being implemented in sport facilities is no longer sufficient to ensure the safety of employees, participants and spectators. Recommendations have been chosen carefully and are budget dependent. The implementation of biometrics will potentially reduce the stress levels of the targeted work environments by making it a safer place. The increased level of stress in the work environment has been partially reduced by several stress management techniques that include: task redesign, flexible work schedules, participative management, increased employee autonomy, employee fitness programs and open lines of communication to voice on going concerns to insure the safety of fans, athletes and employees. A conclusion is there is still a major concern of a secure work environment for the employees of these sports facilities at this date. This is the challenge.

Citation

Appelbaum, S.H., Adeland, E. and Harris, J. (2005), "Management of Sports Facilities: Stress and Terrorism Since 9/11", Management Research News, Vol. 28 No. 7, pp. 69-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170510784896