Sports Governance and Ethics: Investigating Global Efforts to Ensure Fair Play and Integrity in Sports

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate global efforts to ensure fair play and integrity in sports.

Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive's time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to sports and ethics- investigating global efforts to ensure fair play and integrity in sports. Preliminary empirical review revealed that ethical leadership sets the tone for an organization's culture and significantly influences the ethical conduct of athletes, officials, and stakeholders. Therefore, it is imperative for sports organizations to prioritize the development and reinforcement of ethical leadership at all levels. In addition to that, the studies have underscored the significance of anti-doping programs in preserving fair play in sports. These programs have proven effective in detecting and deterring the use of performance-enhancing substances. However, there is an ongoing need for continuous improvement in anti-doping strategies, with a particular emphasis on enhancing detection methods and ensuring consistent enforcement across all sports and regions.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Institutional theory, ethical leadership theory and Diffusion of Innovation theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to sports. The study recommended for strengthening of ethical leadership, enhancing transparency and accountability, continuous improvement of anti-doping measures, promoting of cross cultural sensitivity among others.