Advancing sustainability governance in major sport events: Development and validation of a theory-driven semi-structured interview instrument

Abstract

The increasing integration of sustainability principles into sport governance requires empirically robust assessment instruments capable of capturing how sustainability is operationalised in major sporting events. Understanding how sustainability is translated into policy decisions and governance practices has become increasingly relevant for sports management researchers and practitioners. This study aimed to develop and validate a semi-structured interview script designed to examine government policies within the scope of sustainability. The instrument is based on the triple bottom line (TBL) framework and relevant policy concerning sustainability in sports, ensuring a wide-ranging approach aligned with policy priorities in contemporary sport governance. A sequential design was adopted that combined theoretical development, expert content validation, and pilot testing. Nine experts assessed content validity using Aiken’s V coefficient and 95% confidence intervals, supporting objective decisions on item retention and refinement. To improve clarity and relevance, the design also incorporated qualitative feedback. The second script version, comprising 118 items, was subsequently pilot tested with organisers of international sporting events to assess its practical applicability. A structured coding framework was applied to evaluate question clarity, contextual relevance, and analytical performance. The results indicated strong content validity, multidimensional coverage, and operational applicability. No evidence of conceptual misalignment or interpretative ambiguity emerged during the pilot phase, thus supporting the instrument’s internal coherence and practical utility. The final validated interview script comprised 58 primary questions structured across 10 thematic sections, each supported by follow-up prompts to enhance analytical depth and flexibility in data collection. By combining statistical validation with qualitative testing, this study provides an objective, reliable, and replicable tool for advancing research on sustainability implementation in sport governance policies. Furthermore, the protocol offers practical value for policymakers and event organisers seeking to systematically assess and enhance sustainability practices in major sporting contexts.