Organizational justice in sport

Abstract

Research on organizational justice in sport has evolved during the past fifteen years. Much of that research has focused on the perceived fairness of equity, equality, and need when making resource distributions (distributive justice) in intercollegiate athletics. Generally, those involved with intercollegiate athletics believe resource decisions based on equality and need are the most fair, but decisions appear to be based on different principles. Scholars have also begun examining the fairness of decision-making processes (procedural justice) and the communication of those decisions (interactional justice), and how organizational justice impacts organizational outcomes, such as job satisfaction. Additionally, research has expanded to include sport settings beyond intercollegiate athletics. This article summarizes the state of research by first reviewing the general organizational justice literature to conceptually describe the constructs of interest before providing a detailed examination of sport management specific research. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research on organizational justice in sport management.