Abstract
Sport like every other business has its guidelines, rules, and standards. Sport is defined in different ways depending on the individual or group of people involved. It is regarded as a source of entertainment, a profit-making venture, an avenue for fitness and sometimes it is even seen as a medium for social interaction. (Alberts, 2003) All these sport views are correct depending on the situation and place. In some places, it could be for the profit that people venture into the sport while in other places it could be for entertainment reasons. Despite its positive influence on society, it also has its negative sides. (Donald, 2005)
Sport is guided by its ethics which determines what to do or not, what to choose, and even how to live for sports participants or managers. Over the years, the world has witnessed unethical conduct in sport like drugs, favorable scheduling, and racism. Disobeying the code of ethics or conduct in sport threatens its very essence. (Donald, 2005) However, rendering ethical judgment to perpetrators without being biased seems to be a bigger challenge than the offence itself. In the course of rendering ethical judgment when a stadium concession manager indulges in unethical behavior like racism, it is right for the executive manager to follow the 5 steps required before passing judgment. (Malloy, Ross & Zakus, 2006)
Realizing there is an Ethical misconduct
Ethics are the guidelines that determine how sport participants or managers behave. These Ethics detect the kind of action sports individuals are supposed to indulge in and if sport participants or managers indulge in unethical behavior, the executive manager has to realize that the deed is actually ethical misconduct. If the executive manager fails to realize that the unethical deed is a problem, then it cannot be solved. (Alberts, 2003)
In a situation where the stadium concessions manager is accused of racism by other concession employees, the executive management needs to realize that this deed is unethical and it contravenes the ethics of sport. Favoring certain concession employees for racial reasons is a big offense. If the executive manager realizes this fact, it will enable him to evaluate the situation before reaching any conclusions. This is a very important step when rendering ethical judgment in sport. (Malloy, Ross & Zakus, 2006)
Considering Alternatives to solve the problem
When the executive manager realizes that the accusation leveled against the concession manager is serious, the next appropriate step is thinking of possible alternatives to remedy the situation. Racism in sport is not only unethical but it threatens the very essence of the sport itself. If racism is prevalent in a place where the sport is regarded as a medium for social interaction, this could lead to the total collapse of sport in such a place. (Donald, 2005)
When an accusation of such magnitude is leveled against the concession manager, the executive management needs to realize that such a deed is wrong. Then the next appropriate step for he/her to take is, thinking of possible alternatives to solve the problem. (Appenzeller, 1993)
Evaluating the Alternatives for solving the problem
After thinking of possible alternatives to solve the problem of racism leveled against the concession manager, the executive management needs to evaluate the alternatives properly before choosing the ideal one. There are always a lot of possible alternatives when a problem arises but it is more ideal to evaluate the alternatives before choosing one. (Alberts, 2003)
In a situation of racism in sport, there are many options to solve the problem but if the wrong alternative is chosen, the problem might be solved temporarily before it reoccurs. Choosing the right alternative will involve inviting the culprit or the accused to defend his/herself. The executive management needs to hear the concession manager’s side of the story before acting. (Alberts, 2003) By doing this, the executive manager has evaluated the idea alternatives and this is a step in the right direction. (Malloy, Ross & Zakus, 2006)
Selecting the Ideal alternative as a solution
In every situation where there is a problem, the person involved or the accused person remains innocent until proven otherwise. The mere fact that the concession manager is accused of being biased for racial reasons does not mean he/she is actually guilty. An ideal alternative can only be selected as a solution after the executive manager has duly followed the right steps in evaluating the entire situation. (Malloy, Ross & Zakus, 2006)
After receiving complaints about the stadium concession manager, the executive manager thinks of possible ways to solve the problem then he/she evaluates the possible alternatives. After duly evaluating the alternatives by hearing from the accused stadium manager, the executive manager can then select the alternative he/she thinks is the best for solving the problem. (Malloy, Ross & Zakus, 2006)
Implementing the right decision or alternative as a solution
With the four steps required to render ethical judgment duly followed, the last step for the executive manager to take is implementing the decision he/she has reached. In situations like this, there is always a lot of pressure on the executive manager and if the executive manager is not careful and discreet, he/she may take a wrong decision due to pressure. (Alberts, 2003)
If the executive manager finds out that the stadium manager does not favor some concession employees for racial reasons as accused, then the executive manager will overlook the accusation. (Appenzeller, 1993) But if the stadium manager is found guilty, then he/she will be duly punished, and this will serve as a deterrent to other staff. By following the 5 steps aforementioned, whatever decision the executive manager takes will be appropriate. (Donald, 2005)
Conclusion
Sport plays a significant role in building society positively and it should not be allowed to crumble for whatever reasons. Although there are difficulties in sport management what is more important is making the right decisions when accusations of any kind are leveled against sports personnel. (Appenzeller, 1993)
Having duly followed the necessary 5 steps required to render ethical judgment, it can be concluded that the accusation of racism leveled against the stadium manager is handled objectively and thoroughly. (Alberts, 2003)
References
Alberts, L. (2003). Coaching issues & dilemmas: Character building through sport Participation. Los Angelos: Crystal press.
Appenzeller, H. (1993). Managing sports and risk management strategies. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.
Donald, K. (2005). Risk management in sport: Issues and strategies Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.
Malloy, D. C., Ross, S., & Zakus, D. H. (2006). Sport Ethics: Concepts and cases in sport and recreation. (2nd Ed.). Canada: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc.