Analyzing the role of the board in developing the strategy of a football club - A single-case study examining how the board of AIK operates in order to successfully develop the club's strategy

Abstract: Through this qualitative, single-case study we aim to examine how the board of AIK operates on an organizational level in order to successfully develop the goals, vision, and strategy for the club. We do so through in depth semi-structured interviews with key personnel who have an influence over the development of the clubs long-term strategy. Through the theoretical framework of stakeholder theory, agency theory, and institutional logics, we analyze the empirical data. We found that for the board of AIK, one key is to understand the stakeholder landscape and value the importance of each stakeholder thereafter. We also noted that the acceptance of the Swedish association culture forms the basis of the identity of AIK and this in turn promotes cooperation within the club. Lastly, we also found that a well developed goal and vision program with clearly defined long-term strategy goals acted as a facilitator for the compromises that occur in hybrid organizations, between institutional logics. Overall the goal and vision document also has an important role in defining these goals and the culture to stakeholders, members, and supporters.