Social Perceptions of Iranian Spectators from Hosting Sports Events (Study of Volleyball Men's Nations League)

The purpose of this survey was to study the social perceptions of Iranian spectators in the Volleyball Men's Nations League. This applied research was carried out with quantitative method. The statistical population of the survey was all Iranian spectators of Volleyball Men's Nations League 2018 that held in Iran. The sample size was 380 according to Morgan table and 371 correct questionnaires were analyzed. The research instrument was a 27-item questionnaire of Inoue & Havard (2014) with three sub scales of determinants, social perceptions and outcomes of social perceptions. Content validity of the questionnaire was verified by eight sports management professors, and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.79). Analysis of data in Amos software version 23 showed that the measurement model had good fit index. The result showed the effect of Social Responsibility of the Event and social Camaraderie on social perceptions were positive and significant, while sport participation and Cause Importance had no significant effect on social perceptions. Also, social perceptions had a significant positive effect on both variables of Event-related behavioral intentions and Intentions to Consider Event Sponsors’ Products that this effect on behavioral intentions was stronger. Overall, the social achievements of hosting this sporting event for our country can be well described, which can be considered in hosting other sporting events.