A Holistic Perspective on Women’s Career Pathways in Athletics Administration

in Journal of Sport Management

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Allyson C. Hartzell The University of Texas at Austin

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Marlene A. Dixon Texas A&M University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2018-0127
Keywords:
diversity; female; leadership; management
In Print:
Volume 33: Issue 2
Page Range:
79–92
Restricted access

Though progress has been made in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in sport leadership positions around the globe, particularly at the highest levels. This problem persists despite the known advantages to gender diversity in leadership positions. Multiple approaches from various levels of analysis (macro, meso, and micro) have been used to study this phenomenon; however, there is a strong need for a more comprehensive model that would consider not only multiple levels of analysis, but also time and nonwork considerations. To that end, the authors review the existing literature in the area, and then examine career and life course theories that would extend current conceptualizations of women’s experiences in sport leadership positions, and the choices they make in the shaping of their career paths. This model enhances effective career development strategies that help women achieve the positions for which they strive within sport, thereby enriching their own personal development and helping sport organizations achieve the multiple and positive benefits of a more diverse workforce.

Hartzell is with the Department of Athletics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Dixon is with Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.

Address author correspondence to Allyson C. Hartzell at ally.hartzell@utexas.edu.
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