Table 1

Review of sport service quality studies: conceptualization, measurement, and modeling

#StudySQ definitionOSQ measuredJudgment objectSQ model specificationService quality elements
1Alexandris et al. (2001) Global judgment or attitude relating to the superiority of a service (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2000)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. provides its services at the time it promises to do so, the employees give me personal attention)
2Alexandris et al. (2004a) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees respond quickly to members), Benefits (e.g. improve psychological well-being)
3Alexandris et al. (2004b) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. polite staff), Benefits (e.g. improve psychological well-being)
4Alexandris et al. (2006) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees are friendly), Benefits (e.g. skiing helped me to socialize)
5Alexandris et al. (2008) Global judgment or attitude relating to the superiority of a service (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2006)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. responsiveness, reliability), Outcome content not explicitly specified; instrument referenced to Alexandris et al. (2004b) 
6Alexandris et al. (2017) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. personnel were responsive), Benefits (e.g. running this event made me a better athlete)
7An et al. (2020) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. staff were friendly), Valence (e.g. evaluate the outcome of my race participation favorably), Benefits (e.g. get emotionally refreshed through participating in the event)
8Avourdiadou and Theodorakis (2014) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)YesService systemOSQ as antecedent constructNo specific elements (global evaluation)
9Biscaia et al. (2013) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees respond quickly to my needs), Core (e.g. players always try to do their best)
10Biscaia et al. (2017) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees are available to help the fans), Core (e.g. the players of the teams play well)
11Brady et al. (2006) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. treated well by employees), Valence (e.g. evaluate feelings about game outcome)
12Byon et al. (2013) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. game entertainment, security), Core (e.g. opposing team's performance)
13Calabuig et al. (2015) Overall impression of the superiority of a service provider and its services (Zeithaml, 1988)YesService SystemSQ as antecedent constructNo specific elements (global evaluation)
14Chen et al. (2012) Expectation–perception comparison at the service dimension level (Shonk and Chelladurai, 2008)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. employees know their jobs), Valence (e.g. feel that I have a good experience)
15Clemes et al. (2011) Global judgment relating to superiority of the service (Carman, 1990)YesAttributesHierarchical modelPeripheral (e.g. car parking is secure), Core (e.g. games are usually fast and flowing)
16Crompton and Mackay (1989) Judgment of service's overall excellence or superiority (Berry et al., 1988)NoAttributesNot modeled (comparison of dimension importance)Peripheral (e.g. personnel responsiveness, empathy)
17Foroughi et al. (2014) Overall impression of game performance, amenities, additional services, event staff and service-delivery systemsNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees seem very knowledgeable about their jobs), Core (e.g. skill performance of my team's player is excellent), Benefits (quality time with my friends/family at the event)
18Foroughi et al. (2016) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Core (e.g. team characteristics, player performance)
19Foroughi et al. (2019) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. half-time programmes are attractive, seating is comfortable)
20Greenwell et al. (2002) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. staff is responsive to my needs), Core (e.g. number of star players on the team)
21Hightower et al. (2002) Not explicitly definedYesService systemSQ as antecedent constructNo specific elements (global evaluation)
22Howat and Assaker (2013) Cognitive evaluation of service attributes (Zeithaml et al., 2009)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. staff is friendly, broad range of activities)
23Howat and Assaker (2016) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. centre is always clean), Benefits (e.g. socialising with family and/or friends)
24Howat and Crilley (2007) Cognitive evaluation of a service provider's performance (Brady and Cronin, 2001)NoAttributesSQ as antecedent constructPeripheral (e.g. presentable and easily identified staff, parking area safety and security)
25Howat et al. (2002) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesAttribute-based evaluation (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. facility cleanliness, broad range of activities)
26Howat et al. (2008) Customers' evaluation of the perceived performance of service attributes to their prior expectations (Parasuraman et al., 1988)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. safe and secure parking), Benefits (e.g. relaxation)
27Hu et al. (2024) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesSQ as antecedent constructPeripheral (e.g. attractive facilities), Benefits (e.g. psychological well-being)
28Jeong and Kim (2020) Overall impression of the relative inferiority/superiority of the organization and its services (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. information about this event was easy to obtain Core (e.g. skill performance of players was excellent Benefits (e.g. spent quality time with friends/family)
29Jin et al. (2013) Global judgment of service superiority (Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. safe facility), Core (players' performance)
30Jones et al. (2019) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees were very professional, venue provides comfortable seats)
31Kelley and Turley (2001) Expectation – perception comparison (Parasuraman et al., 1988)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. cleanliness of the arena), Core (e.g. game quality)
32Kim et al. (2006) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees' responsiveness, reliability)
33Kim et al. (2013) Overall impression of the superiority/inferiority of organization and its services (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. safe facility), Core (e.g. team performance)
34Kim et al. (2016) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesAttribute-based evaluation (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. arena access, good seating)
35Ko and Pastore (2005) Not explicitly definedNoΑttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. knowledgeable employees), Valence (e.g. feel good about what I get), Benefits (e.g. sense of family)
36Ko et al. (2010) Consumer attitudes relating to the superiority of service (Parasuraman et al., 1988)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employee interaction) Core (e.g. skill performance), Valence (item not reported), Benefits (e.g. social interaction)
37Ko et al. (2011) Global judgment, or attitude relating to the superiority of service (Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. knowledgeable employees), Core (e.g. skill performance of team's players), Valence (e.g. feel good from what I get), Benefits (e.g. sense of family)
38Ko et al. (2023) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. design of the facility), Core (e.g. excellent game), Benefits (positive social interaction)
39Koo et al. (2009) Overall evaluation of service deliveryYesService systemSQ as antecedent constructNo specific elements (global evaluation)
40Koronios et al. (2019) Overall perception of service performance, systems of delivery, and overall consumption experiencesNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. pre and after game shows), Core (e.g. skill performance of team's players), Benefits (e.g. spend quality time with my friends/family)
41Kouthouris and Alexandris (2005) Global judgment or attitude of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees should always be willing to help; give participants individualized attention)
42Kyle et al. (2010) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees' friendliness), Benefits (e.g. skiing in this resort allows me to socialize)
43Lam et al. (2005) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. staff responsiveness to complaints, adequacy of signs and directions)
44Lee et al. (2011) Overall impression/global judgment of service superiority (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994; Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. responsiveness, empathy)
45Liu et al. (2009) Customers' perception of service excellenceNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. availability of parking, friendliness of staff)
46Ma and Kaplanidou (2020) Consumers' judgment regarding the overall excellence or superiority of ancillary services (Yoshida and James, 2010)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. entering the stadium was easy), Core (e.g. opposing team's overall performance)
47Mackay and Crompton (1988) Expectation–performance comparison (Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. tangibles, responsiveness)
48Matic et al. (2020) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. tangibles), Core (e.g. competition) – authors' own classification
49McDonald et al. (1995) Expectations – performance comparison (Zeithaml, 1988)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. ticket ushers give prompt, ticket ushers have the knowledge to answer questions)
50Moon et al. (2011) Overall impression of the relative inferiority/superiority of the organization and its services (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. responsiveness, equipment)
51Moon et al. (2013) Overall impression of the relative inferiority/superiority of the organization and its services (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesSQ as antecedent constructPeripheral (e.g. reliability, equipment)
52Oh et al. (2011) Customers' evaluation of the provider's service based on their experiences and impressions (Hennig-Thurau et al., 2002)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral, Core (items not reported by the authors)
53Phonthanukitithaworn and Sellitto (2018) Οverall impression of the relative inferiority/superiority of the organization and its services (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. signs at the stadium help me know where I am going), Core (e.g. team plays hard all the time)
54Polyakova and Ramchandani (2023) Global judgment of service excellence/superiority (Zeithaml, 1987)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. friendly staff), Benefits (e.g. psychological benefits), Valence (e.g. to have a good feeling)
55Polyakova et al. (2025) Consumer's judgment about an entity's overall excellence or superiority (Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employee behavior), Core (e.g. racing routes)
56Rai et al. (2023) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. security, equipment)
57Ribeiro et al. (2018) Consumer's impression of service excellence (Liu et al., 2009)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. easy to get to the facilities), Core (e.g. athletes are excellent)
58Shi et al. (2022) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. employees are friendly), Core (e.g. classes/courses cover different skill levels)
59Shonk and Chelladurai (2008) Expectation-perception comparison (MacKay and Crompton, 1988)N/AAttributesHierarchical (conceptual)Peripheral (e.g. accessibility of venue) Core (e.g. contest quality)
60Shonk and Chelladurai (2009) Expectation-perception comparison (MacKay and Crompton, 1988)YesAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. getting to the stadium was not difficult), Core (e.g. players make the game exciting)
61Shonk et al. (2017) Overall impression/global judgment of service superiority (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994; Parasuraman et al., 1985)NoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. Parking is easily accessible), Core (e.g. skill of athletes competing is excellent), Valence (e.g. feel good about what get from this event) Benefits (e.g. spent quality time with friends/family at this event)
62Silcox and Soutar (2009) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees gave prompt service, employees know what they are talking about)
63Smith et al. (2014) Expectation–perception comparison (Parasuraman et al., 1988)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees are knowledgeable), Benefits (e.g. improve mood)
64Stergiou et al. (2022) Not explicitly definedΝοAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. easy to park), Core (e.g. strong competition), Benefits (e.g. opportunity to socialize with friends/family)
65Theodorakis and Alexandris (2008) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. accessibility of stadium, services provided right first time)
66Theodorakis et al. (2001) Comparison to excellence in service encounters (Rust and Oliver, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. parking availability, personnel provide prompt service)
67Theodorakis et al. (2009a) Global judgment of service superiority (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. comfort of seats, parking availability)
68Theodorakis et al. (2009b) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees are friendly), Benefits (e.g. skiing was fun)
69Theodorakis et al. (2011) Overall impression/global judgment of service superiority (Parasuraman et al., 1985; Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)YesService systemSQ as antecedent constructPeripheral (e.g. cleanliness of the facility, personnel willingness to help)
70Theodorakis et al. (2013) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. comfortable seats), Core (e.g. players perform well executed plays)
71Theodorakis et al. (2014) Consumer's overall impression of service superiority (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)YesService systemSQ as antecedent constructNo specific elements (global evaluation)
72Theodorakis et al. (2015) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. personnel was courteous), Valence (e.g. participation was very positive), Benefits (e.g. participation made me a better athlete)
73Theodorakis et al. (2019) Not explicitly definedNoService attributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. personnel answered all my questions), Valence (e.g. participation was very positive), Benefits (e.g. gained a lot as a runner)
74Tsitskari et al. (2009) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. pre-game entertainment, accessibility of facility)
75Tsuji et al. (2007) Not explicitly definedNoService attributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. staff courtesy), Core (e.g. aggressive inline skating)
76Tzetzis et al. (2014) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. parking makes it easy to get in and out quickly), Core (e.g. players made the game exciting)
77Voon et al. (2014) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. provide services as promised, enough parking space)
78Wakefield and Blodgett (1994) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesSQ as antecedent constructPeripheral (e.g. facility cleanliness, stadium seats)
79Won and Lee (2024) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. organization has top-notch customer service during the season), Core (e.g. games are exciting)
80Xiao et al. (2020) Overall subjective impression after consumption (Bitner and Hubbert, 1994)NoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. personnel was courteous), Valence (e.g. participation was very positive), Benefits (e.g. participation made me a better athlete)
81Yildiz and Kara (2012) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. physical environment is well maintained), Core (e.g. rigorous and rich exercise programmes)
82Yoshida and James (2010) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees respond quickly to your needs), Core (e.g. players perform well-executed plays)
83Yoshida and James (2011) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. employees respond quickly to your needs), Core (e.g. players perform well-executed plays)
84Yoshida et al. (2013) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesMultidimensional attribute-based model (no SQ construct)Peripheral (e.g. signs help you know where you are going), Core (e.g. team plays hard all the time)
85Yu et al. (2014) Not explicitly definedNoAttributesHierarchicalPeripheral (e.g. locker room, staff)

Note(s): Based on a systematic review of 85 empirical and conceptual studies in sport service quality research. SQ Definition refers to how service quality is explicitly defined in each study, based only on statements in the conceptual section, including definitions adopted from prior literature. OSQ = Overall Service Quality and is coded “Yes” when direct global items are used. Judgment Object refers to what respondents evaluate (i.e. service attributes, service encounter, or the service system), based on item wording. SQ Model Specification refers to how service quality is structurally treated: SQ as antecedent construct = SQ exists as a distinct construct predicting outcomes; Multidimensional attribute-based model = service attributes are labeled as SQ without a distinct SQ construct; Hierarchical model = a higher-order SQ construct is modeled through lower-order dimensions; Not modeled = conceptual or descriptive paper. Service Quality Elements refer to what is measured: Peripheral = controllable service delivery elements; Core = sport product elements; Benefit = consumer outcome elements; Valence = subjective post-consumption evaluation. The taxonomy is based on reported measurement structures (constructs used in analysis), even when item-level detail is not fully disclosed. Some studies employ constructs (e.g. valence) without fully reporting their operationalization, which limits comparability

Source(s): The author’s own work

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