Behavioural Sports Economics: A Research Companion

Economists have entered the realm of sports to provide more cogent explanations for sport-related behavior and suggest ways to improve sports outcomes. This book demonstrates the analytical insights to be gained by supplementing the conventional economics toolbox with psychological, cognitive, sociological, and institutional factors. It emphasizes the cognitive limits to smart decision-making and the critical role played by the decision-making environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Economists have delved into the realm of sports to offer more compelling explanations for sport-related behavior and propose strategies to enhance sports outcomes. While traditional economic variables like prices and income have played a significant role in understanding sports, they cannot fully account for all aspects of behavior. To address this gap, this book employs a bounded rationality approach from behavioral economics, which integrates psychological, cognitive, sociological, and institutional factors into the analysis.

The diverse international cast of contributors covers a wide range of sports topics where a behavioral approach can unveil new insights. These include preferences, managerial decisions, efficiency, choking, doping, favoritism, athlete well-being, and spectator behavior. Throughout the book, there is a strong emphasis on the cognitive limitations of smart decision-making and the critical role played by the decision-making environment.

This volume demonstrates that adopting a bounded rationality approach, complemented with other behavioralist approaches, enhances our understanding of sport-related behavioral, sub-optimal behavioral, and market failures. It provides valuable insights that can be applied to improve sports outcomes and the well-being of individuals involved in sports, as well as to optimize policy configurations to enhance sports performance.

As a groundbreaking work, this book will serve as an indispensable reference for students and scholars in sports economics, sports management, and sports science. It offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on the complex dynamics of sports, shedding light on the factors that influence behavior and performance within the sports industry.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367531874