Diversity Management in a Multi-cultural Society: An Exploratory Study of Cultural Diversity and Team Sport in Australia

Abstract

A decade of research has indicated that organisations can obtain a significant competitive advantage through the effective management of cultural diversity. This research has fostered the growth of diversity management initiatives across wide range of organizations seeking better business outcomes. However, empirical studies suggest that sports organizations have been slow to embrace diversity management, despite its proven benefits. While sports organisations have established policies to meet equity considerations, the impact of these has been relatively minor. Focussing on one aspect of diversity management, namely cultural diversity, a national survey of team-based community sport organisations was undertaken to investigate the extent to which diversity management was valued and practised at the grassroots level of sport organisations. Data were collected on cultural diversity policies, strategies and practices. Soccer organisations reported the highest levels of cultural diversity representation among players, board members and volunteers, while the lowest levels were reported by netball among participants and softball amongst Board members and volunteers. Softball organisations were therefore the least likely to have cultural diversity policies while basketball organisations reported the highest levels of policy development. In regard to engagement in diversity management practices Australian Rules organisations indicated the highest level and netball the lowest. Recognition of the value of cultural diversity was highest volleyball organisations and cricket indicated the highest commitment to being open and friendly to culturally diverse groups. This research has implications for how diversity can be managed more effectively by sport organisations.