Considering the FIA to be a unique type of hybrid organisation characterised by what the author calls ‘organisational emulsion’, this case study contains theoretical innovations relevant to other studies of sport governing bodies.

Chapter 1: Introduction: A world in motion.- Chapter 2: 1945-1981: Into the modern era of sports.- Chapter 3: 1981-1993: Reaching its institutional limits.- Chapter 4: 1993-2009: Changing the rules of the game.- Chapter 5: From Small Association to Global Pundit: 2009–2020- Chapter 6: 2020 and beyond: In a phase of organisational emulsion. -Chapter 7: On method.

"In times of major technological and social innovation in motorsport, A History of Organizational Change. The Case of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), 1946-2020 arrives at just the right moment. In this important book, Hans Erik Næss explores how varying historical changes continuously shape and transform the FIA as a hybrid organisation. By critically reviewing projects like Formula E, this book provides fresh insights on the FIA’s future and enhances the expertise of scholars and fans alike."  – Timothy Robeers, Professor of Communication Sciences and Assistant Editor for the Journal of Motorsport History and Culture, Antwerp University, Belgium“Jean Todt, President of FIA, the world governing body of motorsport has said that much as many love the sport a worldwide health pandemic reminds us that “it is not essential for society”, that “a new deal” is needed for the future. This study, combining historical sociology with organizational analysis and theories of institutional logics, explains how the FIA has developed since its formation in 1904 as a special hybrid entity characterised by what Hans Erik Næss calls “organisational emulsion”, a previously unidentified model or process of organisational change. If you want to understand how SGBs (Sport Governing Bodies) have survived, some with an adaptive potential promising positive change, read this case study.”  - Alan Tomlinson, Professor of Leisure Studies, University of Brighton UKThis book is the first independent exploration of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) institutional history. Virtually unexamined compared with similar institutions like the FIFA and the IOC, the FIA has nevertheless changed from being a small association in 1904 to becoming one of the world’s most influential sport governing bodies. Through chronologically organised chapters, this book explains how the FIA manages to link together motorsport circuses like Formula 1 with the automotive industry and societal issues like road safety and environmental sustainability. In an exciting narrative spanning seven decades, it reviews the FIA’s organisational turning points, governing controversies, political dramas and sporting tragedies. Considering the FIA to be a unique type of hybrid organisation characterised by what the author calls ‘organisational emulsion’, this case study contains theoretical innovations relevant to other studies of sport governing bodies.  It makes an empirically grounded contribution to the research fields of institutional logics, historical sociology and sport governance.

“The longitudinal perspective employed thus contributes greatly towards making this book a worthwhile read, and it is fascinating to learn the various actors and events that have shaped the organisation over the 70+ years that are covered by the book. … this book will be highly appreciated for those interested in the socio-historically situated events … . prospective readers can look forward to engaging with a book that is fascinating in terms of the unique and intriguing story … .” (Cecilia Stenling, idrottsforum.org, September 28, 2021)

Written by an academic with unprecedented access to insider information and archival material, this book represents the first independent history of FIA as an institution A significant contribution to research on the field of International Sporting Associations Makes an empirically grounded contribution to the research fields of institutional logics, historical sociology and sport governance