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Examining the Individual Crisis-Related Experiences of Intercollegiate Athletics Administrators of NCAA Division I Institutions

Authors :
Marcus Ray Sedberry
Source :
ProQuest LLC. 2024D.Ed. Dissertation, Tarleton State University.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the individual crisis-related experiences of administrative leaders in intercollegiate athletics. A crisis is defined as an unpredictable and unexpected event that interferes with normal operations of the organization, threatens the well-being of stakeholders, and can significantly negatively impact an organization's resources and reputation. This study considered crises experienced within the educational context. The author explored the needs of administrators during the three phases of individual-related crises--precrisis, crisis, and postcrisis. Individual crises are crisis situations specifically attributed to the actions of a specific individual. Individual crises include a controversial statement or action, personal lifestyle transgression, and internal criminal transgression. In addition, personal health-related incidents and individual tragic incidents, including ongoing crisis incidents experienced on a college campus were included. Finally, the perception of crisis preparedness for administrative leaders was examined. Participants in this study included 10 administrative leaders at NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision institutions. The study participants comprised individuals with at least three years of professional experience in intercollegiate athletics and professional expertise during an individual crisis. The author sought to not only understand the crisis situations experienced by participants but also aimed to better understand the climates of the participants and situations in hopes of elucidating the particular. Data was collected via semi-structured, non-anonymous one-on-one virtual interviews facilitated via Zoom software. In Vivo coding was used for analysis of the data. The study identified common themes central to the phenomenon of crisis management and crisis leadership in college athletics. Common themes were represented among crisis experiences, needs of administrators in all phases of crisis, and the perceptions of crisis preparedness. The experiences of administrators were significantly impacted by information sharing, the connection with internal and external stakeholders, as well as the connection to the organizational mission, vision, and values. The administrator needs included transparency, guidance, a reliable sounding board, and support during crisis situations. Participants also identified the need for follow-up and support postcrisis. Generally, participants perceived their administrative leaders to be prepared for crisis based on previous experiences yet acknowledged the lack of formal training for administrative leaders in college athletics. As such, they identified personal trial-by-fire experiences, learning from others, and avoidance as elements that influence their preparedness and strategy for crisis leadership. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

Details

Language :
English
ISBN :
979-83-8358-153-7
ISBNs :
979-83-8358-153-7
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
ProQuest LLC
Publication Type :
Dissertation/ Thesis
Accession number :
ED659731
Document Type :
Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations