Symbolic isomorphism: The New Zealand Ice Blacks and Ice Ferns. Research Completed
Title
Symbolic isomorphism: The New Zealand Ice Blacks and Ice Ferns.
Lead Author
Geoff Dickson , Sean Phelps
Organisation(s)
AUT University
Publication Year
2009
Contacts
Geoff Dickson: geoff.dickson@aut.ac.nz
Abstract
Using institutional theory as a lens, this research investigates the selection of the names Ice Blacks and Ice Fernz by the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation for their men’s and women’s national teams, and their conformity to existing naming patterns with the New Zealand sporting sector. To explain this conformity, we apply a central tenet of institutional theory, that isomorphism provides legitimacy, to the selection of corporate identities. Two case studies are presented based on interviews with organisational decision makers and analysis of secondary data. The research identifies that the aliases are isomorphic with the names used by other New Zealand national sports teams. Frequent use of the terms by the print media is seen as acceptance of the names and a likely antecedent to wider community acceptance of the names. This paper concludes by arguing that these factors support existing arguments that symbolic isomorphism is a likely precursor to legitimacy.
Keywords:
legitimacy; symbolic isomorphism; Ice Blacks; Ice Fernz; institutional theory; New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation; national sports teams; sport marketing; corporate identity.
How to access
Phelps, S., & Dickson, G. (2009) Symbolic isomorphism: The New Zealand Ice Blacks and Ice Ferns. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 5(1-2), 90-100.
Areas of Focus
Topics
Sport and Recreation Types
Views
1391
Added
June 18, 2012