Women and leadership: advancing gender equity policies in sport leadership through sport governance. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sotiriadou, Popi; de Haan, Donna
• Is Part Of: International journal of sport policy. Volume 11:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Equity champions -- leadership -- governance -- policy -- sport business -- multilevel framework; Sports and state -- Periodicals; Sports and state -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Sports -- Political aspects -- Periodicals; Sports administration -- Periodicals; Sports administration; Sports and state; Sports -- Political aspects; Great Britain; Periodicals; 353.7805
• DOI: 10.1080/19406940.2019.1577902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1940-6959

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper uses a multilevel framework to deconstruct the role board members play in advancing gender equity policies in leadership positions in sport governance. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with Triathlon board members of the International Federation and two National Federations. The results show that within the multilevel framework, at the individual (micro) level, male equity champions pave the way for both challenging existing stereotypes at an organisational level (meso) within the boards, and at the sport level (macro) through the introduction and implementation of strategies and policies in the organisations studied, and constitutional changes that encourage women to engage in leadership roles. These strategies and policies display the power of equity champions of change and their willingness and ability to create a gender equitable governance culture. Equity champions of change enable women to feel valued in leadership roles, and further encourage and promote the acceptance of women in the governance of sport organisations.