Understanding Diversity in Intercollegiate Athletics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential negative and positive effects of diversity in university athletics departments. Qualitative data were collected from 245 athletic administrators from NCAA Division I universities. Most administrators believed that diversity did not negatively influence the workplace. The negative effects that were identified included quotas, poor processes, mismanagement, negative attitudes toward diversity, and dissimilarity effects. Several positive effects were identified, including the generation of ideas, benefits to the student athlete, learning from others, inclusion, a reflection of society, role modeling, and increased workplace productivity. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical contributions and practical implications.