An exploratory study of the perception of employment generated from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by Local Residents.

Abstract

This dissertation project was undertaken to assess the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games (GCWG) effect on employment in the City of Glasgow (COG) and how it was perceived by the local residents (LR). The process began by examining studies carried out by the Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government and other official games partners. Within these studies were the results found from their original research to conclude the impact to employment. Their results were compared to gain a general consensus. However, the main aim for this study was to discover how LR felt employment was impacted. As this research has not been carried out before a comparison of literature on previous mega event impacts to local communities was conducted. The researcher widen the literature review to include social and environmental impacts, along with the economic impact to gain a general view on the effect mega events have on host cities. With this knowledge the researcher then conducted their own primary study. A series of interviews were carried out with business leaders directly involved in the GCWG. The aim for these interviews was to distinguish the impact to the economic stance of the organisation and how it effected employment within their specific organization. This was then compared to the questionnaires completed by LR on how they felt employment was impacted. The study concludes that the officials involved felt very positively about the GCWG and its effect on Glasgow. Not only do they believe it resulted in higher levels of employment for the city but also classed the Commonwealth Games (CG) as a valuable learning experience. The LR were also supportive of the CG and drew to an overall conclusion that the GCWG had a positive impact on employment in the COG. However, the matter of sustainability received a split vote from LR.