Abstract
Traditional sports performance measurement has primarily emphasized competitive and financial outcomes while
often underrepresenting stakeholder-related dimensions essential to long-term organizational sustainability. This study
empirically examines stakeholder and fan engagement as a strategic dimension within an adapted Balanced Scorecard
(BSC) framework for sports organizations. Using a conceptual-empirical design, stakeholder-related survey data from
120 football supporters were used to operationalize fan engagement, trust, satisfaction, communication effectiveness and
loyalty as measurable strategic indicators. Findings demonstrate that stakeholder-centered variables function as critical
drivers of organizational legitimacy, reputational resilience and sustainable performance, particularly during periods
of competitive instability. The results strengthen the practical applicability of the Balanced Scorecard by validating
stakeholder-related indicators as essential components of strategic evaluation. The study contributes to sports
management research by reinforcing the empirical relevance of relational performance dimensions and offering a
practical framework for stakeholder-centered strategic planning and sustainable organizational development.
often underrepresenting stakeholder-related dimensions essential to long-term organizational sustainability. This study
empirically examines stakeholder and fan engagement as a strategic dimension within an adapted Balanced Scorecard
(BSC) framework for sports organizations. Using a conceptual-empirical design, stakeholder-related survey data from
120 football supporters were used to operationalize fan engagement, trust, satisfaction, communication effectiveness and
loyalty as measurable strategic indicators. Findings demonstrate that stakeholder-centered variables function as critical
drivers of organizational legitimacy, reputational resilience and sustainable performance, particularly during periods
of competitive instability. The results strengthen the practical applicability of the Balanced Scorecard by validating
stakeholder-related indicators as essential components of strategic evaluation. The study contributes to sports
management research by reinforcing the empirical relevance of relational performance dimensions and offering a
practical framework for stakeholder-centered strategic planning and sustainable organizational development.
Cuvinte cheie
Balanced Scorecard; sports organizations; stakeholder management; fan engagement; strategic performance
Istoric articol
Publicat
26.06.2026
Informații autori
Citare recomandată
VLAD ANTONIUS SANDU, ROBERTO NICUŞOR ȚIU, MIHAI CONSTANTIN RĂZVAN BARBU, DAN EUGEN COSTIN (2026). STAKEHOLDER AND FAN ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPIRICALLY VALIDATED BALANCED SCORECARD DIMENSION IN SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS. Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu Economics Series, 1(3), 307–317. https://doi.org/10.65631/jes.3.2026.28
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