Institutional and sport management educators' implementation of reading list diversity: A congruence analysis

Abstract

This study utilised content analysis and semi-structured interviews with librarians to examine reading list diversity guidance within English higher education. Additional interviews with sport management educators evaluated their perceptions towards, and implementation of, diverse reading lists. Underpinned by congruence theory, the results evidenced incongruence between educators and librarians. Highlighting dyadic goal importance incongruence, educators disagreed that diverse reading lists can increase student attainment and engagement. Deep levels of dissimilarity regarding the pedagogical value of diverse reading lists also existed. However, educators perceived non-implementation of reading list diversity to be congruent with the diversity values expressed by their institution and department.