Determinants of performance and performance indicators of national anti-doping organizations

Summary

This project, conducted by a research team at the University of Potsdam, aimed to explore the relationship between organizational structures and the performance of National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs). The study sought to understand how various organizational features influence the effectiveness of NADOs in implementing anti-doping policies and to provide practical recommendations for NADOs and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The research was driven by the need to address the lack of comparative empirical analysis in the field of anti-doping policy implementation.

Methodology

The research employed a comparative analysis of five NADOs from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from existing sources with qualitative data from expert interviews. An organizational performance index was developed to measure the performance of NADOs based on input, output, and performance data. The study also identified various factors affecting organizational performance, including management, market structure, organizational structure, regulation, and resources.

Results

The study found that the performance of NADOs is influenced by a range of factors, including their autonomy from sports federations, communication with athletes and the media, and the presence of anti-doping legislation. The research highlighted the challenges in measuring performance due to the complexity of anti-doping tasks and the lack of standardized data. The organizational performance index revealed that while some NADOs performed well in terms of formal compliance, this did not necessarily reflect their actual effectiveness in reducing doping.

Significance for Clean Sport

The project's findings have significant implications for improving the performance of NADOs and promoting clean sport. The study recommends developing alternative methods of performance measurement that reflect the complexity of anti-doping tasks, such as a "Doping Perception Index." It also suggests the need for standardized and harmonized data collection to improve accountability and performance measurement. By providing insights into the factors that enhance or inhibit NADO performance, the research offers a framework for developing more effective anti-doping policies and practices.