Examining the Relationships among Coping with Change, Demographic Dissimilarity and Championing Behaviour

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of coping with change on the relationship between demographic dissimilarity and championing behaviour. Data were gathered from 299 employees from NCAA Division 1-A athletic departments. Moderated regression showed that the demographic dissimilarity × coping behaviour interaction term accounted for significant variance beyond the controls and first order effects. Simple slope analysis showed that persons who were demographically different but who effectively coped with change were more likely to champion the change than were their counterparts. However, for persons who were demographically different and did not effectively cope, championing behaviour was low. Results are discussed in terms of their contribution to the change literature and practical implications for sport managers.

Key words:

• diversity
• change
• athletics