LEADERSHIP AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN SPORTS: IF YOU ARE NOT FIRST, YOU ARE LAST

Carol Stewart
Sheryl Marciniec
Laquita Joyner-McGraw
Seungmin Han
Southern Connecticut State University

ABSTRACT

Professional sports organizations are making strides to promote and adhere to their core
values, including corporate social responsibility. Leaders have disciplined players involved in
illegal and/or unethical activities by levying fines, suspensions, and even terminations. These
actions have not been without public controversy– easily evoked in this digital age of 24/7 news
accessibility–making leadership effectiveness more critical. While much research has been done
in business and military organizations, less has focused on leadership trends in the sports
industry, where traditional management practices don’t always fit athletic needs. This study
explores leadership practices in professional sports and how the mix of leadership styles can work
to guide yet possibly confuse followers when it comes to practicing what they preach in regard to
core values, all the while maintaining the competitive spirit necessary for top-level performance.
Keywords: Leadership styles, corporate social responsibility, professional sports, core values