An exploration of motives, constraints and future participation intention in sport and exercise events

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore relations among constraints and motivation for running events commitment along with relations among motivation and future commitment intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was utilized for the aim of the present study and 1,944 questionnaires were gathered. The self-determination theory and the categorization among intrinsic and extrinsic motivators as proposed by Alexandris et al. (2002) were utilized and the suggested research tools were selected for the purposes of the study.

Findings

Intrapersonal constraints found to influence motivation factors while all three motivation factors had a significant effect on continuous participation intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental data for the present research came from participants in a given running race. As mentioned in the discussion, the distinctive characteristics of running may have affected the examined relations in a way which might not be straightforwardly pertinent to different sports. Additional analysis in various activities is essential for the generalization of the findings.

Originality/value

This paper provides the context for a discussion. It shows that motivation factors (amotivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) have a significant influence on individuals’ intention to participate in sport and exercise, as well as on their ability to negotiate associated constraints. The large sample is a major element of the originality of this study because adds to the validity of the results.

Citation

Koronios, K. and Kriemadis, T. (2018), "An exploration of motives, constraints and future participation intention in sport and exercise events", Sport, Business and Management, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 436-453. https://doi.org/10.1108/SBM-09-2017-0044