Enthusiasm versus reality: A job analysis of Chinese sport scientists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to survey Chinese sport scientists to develop an understanding of their demographics, job characteristics, future career intentions, and opinions. This study adapted online survey and used convenience sampling to investigate the role of sport scientists across China. Ninety-seven practitioners across 18 provinces/municipalities participated in this study. Participants were typically married (70%), male (71%), aged between 30 and 39 (52%), and held a master's degree (66%). Most participants were employed full time (90%) by sport science institutes (66%), with a wide salary range, long working hours (≈48 hours per week), and irregular working time (40%). Most participants remained at the same institute (85%) throughout their careers. The most frequent reason why sport scientists remained in their current position was “job enjoyment” (4.04/5). The most frequently reported issue encountered by participants was “opinion differences with sport coaches” (21%). The ability to “gain trust” and “communication” were deemed important in the role of a sport scientist. Approximately half (44%) of the participants were satisfied with their current position and employer, while others wanted promotion (34%) or to leave their role (11%). The results revealed that (1) China's sport scientists are engaged in their current job mainly due to their enthusiasm, (2) their jobs are stable but highly demanding and relatively low paid. Poor working conditions and low retention are evident across Chinese sport scientist roles. Governing bodies should make efforts to improve the work conditions to improve the sustainability of sport scientist roles in the Chinese sport industry.