Brendan Riggin

My research focuses on the social impact of sport and its potential for positively improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. While I acknowledge that sport is capable of having both a positive and negative social impact, my research examines how sport organizations can take a shared value approach that addresses competing stakeholder needs, provides a competitive advantage, and develops economic returns for an organization, while addressing social and environmental needs. This approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is distinct from the traditional viewpoint, which has tended to focus solely on an organization’s benefits rather than on the constituents for whom the programs are intended. By conducting program evaluations, I have been able to identify opportunities for inter-organizational relationships and have provided feedback to stakeholders with recommendations to ensure the initiatives are effectively helping their participants, thereby having the greatest social impact possible.