As the economic downturn drags on, sports teams set up within business enterprises are disappearing one after another as companies strive to cut costs. Rather than only focus on short-term results, however, businesses should pay attention to the long-term benefits their sports teams bring to both their companies and society at large.

If continuing to support sports teams in a traditional manner has become difficult, companies should seek nontraditional ways to do so, such as jointly sponsoring teams with other companies and local governments.

Sports teams and athletes serve as an effective means of public relations for many companies. Company sports teams also nurture a sense of unity among employees and between management and rank-and-file workers. Both executives and ordinary workers cheer their teams and athletes together, helping to improve company morale.

Enterprises should take a wider view of the social roles their sports teams play. They often help schoolchildren and people in local communities improve their sports skills by directly teaching them in sports seminars. These activities are welcomed not only by local residents but also by local governments, whose functions include promoting sports and education outside school.

The activities of sports teams greatly enrich the lives of local communities. Children in particular benefit tremendously from their interactions with highly skilled athletes. Such activities stimulate their interest in sports, thus helping to nurture future generations of athletes.

By promoting their sports teams' activities in local communities, enterprises also hone their reputations, which in turn often has a positive effect on their business performance.

Companies that are considering dissolving their sports teams because of financial difficulties should seriously reflect upon the positive contributions their teams make to the company and to the local community, and strive to find or develop ways that will enable the teams to continue.