Want to write a reseach paper with this outline.

Problem Statement

Major League Baseball's popularity has been on a downward spiral throughout recent history. Declining revenue detracts from organizations' ability to grow the game and reach the next generation; this is causing a chain reaction of declining viewership and attendance. This can be seen through the trend of World Series viewers shrinking annually. This is indicative of the fans and the future growth of the sport and each franchise. This trend has been ongoing for many years, but with greater prevalence since 2016. This is an ongoing issue within Major League Baseball. Symptoms of this include declining attendance and popularity of the game amongst youth.

Meet the Team

Team Member, Background, and job description.

Commissioner: Rob Manfred

He assumed the role in January of 2015. He rose to this position starting as labor relations lawyer and outside counsel to the Commissioner's Office. Later rising to the chief negotiator bringing collective bargaining and drug testing to MLB before being promoted Chief Operating Officer in September 2013.https://www.mlb.com/official-information/about-mlb/commissioners/robert-manfred-jr

Chief Financial Officer & Senior Advisor:Bob Starkey

has held this role since 2014, overseeing financial operations for Major League Baseball with a focus on industry analytics. Starkey's background includes being a CPA and creator of Starkey Sports Consulting LLC where he worked as an financial advisor to sports franchises.

https://www.crunchbase.com/person/bob-starkey

Chief Operations & Strategy Officer: Chris Marinak

In this role he manages MLB technology organization overseeing marketing and social media focusing on digital content and fan engagement. Additionally he oversees relations with technology companies for data analytics purposes.https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismarinak/

Deputy Commissioner, Baseball Administration Chief Legal Officer:Dan Halem

He oversees the Commissioner's legal affairs, as well as directing the administration of revenue sharing, debt service rule, competitive balance tax, and arbitration. As well as working extensively with the MLBA, World Umpire Association, and Club management officials.https://www.crunchbase.com/person/dan-halem

EVP, General Counsel:Lara Pitaro Wisch

She is the first female General Counsel in the office of the Commissioner in MLB history. Her responsibilities entail leading MLB legal departments and oversight of attorneys throughout the organization, supporting all MLB business groups, and the league office.https://www.mlb.com/press-release/wisch-named-evp-general-counsel-orlinsky-named-special-counsel-to-the-commission#:~:text=As%20General%20Counsel%2C%20Wisch%20will%20lead%20MLB%E2%80%99s%20Legal,of%20MLB%E2%80%99s%20business%20groups%20and%20the%20league%20office.

Chief Revenue Officer:Noah Garden

As CRO he oversees all MLB revenue generating departments including but not limited to: National media, broadcasting, sponsorships, corporate sales, and wagering.https://www.sportsvideo.org/2020/08/24/mlb-taps-noah-garden-chris-marinak-to-replace-tony-petitti-in-front-office/#:~:text=Previously%20EVP%20of%20Business%20and%20Sales%2C%20Garden%20will,Sales%2C%20Sports%20Wagering%2C%20Consumer%20Products%2C%20and%20Video%20Games.

Chief Communications Officer:Pat Courtney

As CCO he oversees the business side of the day to day communications of MLB working hand in hand with all 30 clubs with the goal to grow the game.https://www.nj.com/times-sports/2014/12/penningtons_pat_courtney_to_he.html

Chief Baseball Development Officer:Tony Reagins

He oversees all of MLB's youth and amateur baseball and softball programs, works to streamline scouting and operations of college tournaments and the Arizona Fall League.https://ballparkdigest.com/2020/08/20/reagins-new-mlb-chief-baseball-development-officer/#:~:text=Tony%20Reagins%20is%20Major%20League%20Baseball%E2%80%99s%20new%20Chief,the%20Arizona%20Fall%20League%20and%20college%20baseball%20tournaments.

There is a distinct leader in the MLB Commissioner's office. However, outside of reporting to Commissioner Manfred, there is minimal hierarchy within the team. While many members share similar backgrounds in law and finance each team member has a defined area of expertise allowing them to work largely independent of other members' involvement.

Identification of Stockholders and Problems

The owners of the thirty franchises are stakeholders' of the MLB leadership team's success. Television viewership and attendance of games has been on a steady decline, and since Commissioner Manfred assumed office in 2015 Major League Baseball has encountered cheating scandals, work stoppages, rule changes, and franchises attempting to relocate. Each role has defined responsibilities contributing to the growth of the MLB brand and the sports growth within amateur levels.

Analyze/Diagnose Issues

Integrate Theories/Class Material

Group vs. Team:

The MLB Commissioner's Office functions as a team. There are some aspects that more closely resemble a group such as low interdependence and shared responsibility, but there is mutual accountability amongst members to fulfill the responsibilities defined in their roles. Team members' roles require coordination and collaboration having mutual accountability to the overall success of the team and MLB. (Chapter 2 Lecture notes)

Subteams:

(This becomes convoluted as these members have subordinates who work outside of the specific realm of the Commissioner's office, but I will work to build on the idea of creation of sub teams within this larger team)

Dimensions of Team Empowerment

As there is low interdependence exists within the Commissioner's Office Commissioner Manfred needs to be able to recognize the transitions from group-like to team-like work and adapt the focus of the team members. Empowerment of the Team has the secondary effect of empowering the individuals, as many aspects seemingly overlap. It is important to recognize the impact of the team's work on the shareholders, and how much autonomy is had by both the team and the members within it. (Chapter 3 Lecture Notes)

Usage of Creativity to drive innovation.

The decline in viewership has been attributed to many characteristics. Modern fans want a more intuitive experience watching games, and with shorter attention spans the slow pace of play has been a subject of criticism. Major League Baseball noticed these as avenues for potential creativity and utilized these shortcomings to drive innovation. The sweet spot for innovation is where desirability, viability and feasibility converge.

This sweet spot was shown in recent years as a lot has been done to enhance the viewer experience for the casual fan as well as create a more intuitive game day experience at the ballpark. The issue of slow pace of play has been addressed through the implementation of new rules which limit mound visits and disengagements, and enacted a pitch clock. As technology has evolved the opportunity to implement technology into the game day experience has become much more doable. Major League Baseball has done this through usage of statcast, increased data analytics, and replay review systems. (Chapter 1 Lecture notes)

Empowering Individuals & Teams/Team Design

Design Thinking/Critical Thinking

3D Team leadership

Team Decision making

Team creativity/innovation

Yesterday's teams vs. Today's teams

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