Factors that influence high school graduates to choose sport management as their university major in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the decision of high school students to choose sport management as their major in selected Taiwanese universities. Freshman students were chosen from eight universities that represented 4 different geographic areas of Taiwan.

In order to understand the motive(s) underlying Taiwanese students' selection of a major, this investigator used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the framework for the development of the Theory of Planned Behavior Paired Comparison Instrument (TPBPCI). The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed by Ajzen (1991), based on the Theory of Reasoned Action.

The most important factor that influenced the students to select sport management as their university major was 'Interest in the field' (72.8%). The second most important factor was 'University Entrance Exam Score' (67.2%), and the third most important factor for students to select sport management as their university major was 'Opportunity for Future Employment' (65.1%). Two of the three most important factors for students when choosing sport management as their university major were selected from the category of Attitude Toward Behavior from the Theory of Planned Behavior. It indicated that 'Attitude Toward Behavior' might have most influence students in selection of sport management as their major than other to categories in the TPB.

The results of this study may provide additional information for faculty in undergraduate sport management departments to use in the development of their recruitment programs for high school students. Based on the results of current study, the faculty in sport management departments in Taiwan universities would do well to focus their recruitment strategies on the high school graduates whose homes are close to their schools and who are interested in athletics.

Additionally, evidence from the study suggests that the departments might consider cooperating more closely with the sport industry. Close relationships between the departments and the sport industry, also it could provide more scholarship and internship opportunities for students. Students might have more opportunities to be recruited by those companies for jobs after graduation.