Chapter 6 Ethical Principles Applied to Sport Management

Introduction Ethics The systematic study of the values guiding our decision making Ethics reflect how we believe people should behave and how we want the world to operate Ethical dilemma Practical conflict involving equally compelling values or social obligations; solved when we articulate which commonly held values we admire most Morality The list of those actions people ought to do or refrain from doing

Ethical Considerations Decisions that affect diverse groups of people with conflicting interests (e.g., athletes, fans, media, community, businesses) Sport managers’ decisions about ethical dilemmas tend to fall under greater public scrutiny Ethical analysis involves a systematic process of reasoning: Weighing pros/cons of two or more seemingly valid choices that reflect equally cherished values

Ethical Considerations: Codes of Conduct Need exists for establishing solid ethical climates in corporations. Code of conduct outlines and explains the principles under which an organization or profession operates. Codes of conduct should be clear and straightforward and encourage employees to understand the goals they are trying to accomplish.

Ethical Considerations: Morality Some ethical dilemmas are about choosing between right and wrong or two opposing choices. Social practices depend on people upholding certain baseline values. Morals seen as coming from higher order or common sense Many moral values in society are codified in laws, but moral behavior cannot always be legislated and people cannot be forced to act morally.

Ethical Considerations: Morality in the Work World Absolutism Moral precepts are universal—applicable to all circumstances. Relativism What is moral depends on the situation. Commercial moral rules Rules of the marketplace guide activities such as sales and marketing. Noncommercial moral rules Occupations demand loyalty to an oath of office or professional standards to guard against selling out.

Ethical Considerations: Morality and Multiple Roles Specific jobs in sports do not reside completely in either the commercial or the noncommercial sphere. Process of making a moral choice, of deciding what is right and wrong, involves understanding the parameters of acceptable behavior in the context of one’s multiple roles in society.

Ethical Considerations: Morality and Corruption Immoral behavior violates our basic assumptions and corrupts our social institutions. An immoral decision can lead to systemic corruption that can destroy a sport enterprise. Corruption usually occurs when people hop from one set of moral precepts to another. One feature of corruption is that it is systemic.

Ethical Considerations: Moral Reasoning and Work Contemporary society is characterized by innovation, which continually presents new ethical dilemmas Periodically need to assess whether our current practices are in keeping with values that underlie a just society Moral and ethical principles evolve over time

Key Skills: Ensuring Morality in the Workplace Rules designed to protect integrity of sports operate uncomfortably alongside business structure underwriting sports. Organizations can help individuals make moral choices by establishing standards, encouraging self-examinations, providing support structures, and enforcing codes.

Key Skills: Self-Examination An effective tool to remind people of ethical actions and express institutional concern for ethical issues Ask employees to think about hypothetical ethical dilemmas Accreditation programs (NCAA)

Key Skills: Forum for Moral Discourse Communication is critical to decreasing corruption and resolving ethical dilemmas. Employees should be encouraged to get together to discuss where and how they face specific problems. The process takes pressure off individuals and clarifies issues at stake. Decisions should be reviewed only after they have been made. © Bananastock/Alamy Images

Key Skills: Consequences Employees need to know there are consequences for immoral behavior. If people understand that corruption comes with certain risks, they are less likely to engage in immoral acts. Discipline must meet two criteria: It must be (1) meaningful and (2) enforceable.