Diversity is an inherent characteristic that is found in virtually every aspect of human life. Culture can be defined as the collection of common values, believes and norms among a group of people which influences the behaviors, reactions and day-to-day activities of these people. Moreover, culture determines what is generally accepted as proper conduct within a group of people. It should be noted that culture is not a trait that can be acquired by birth because it is not determined by hormones, but it is rather imparted into a p person through the process of socialization as one interacts with other people. It should be noted that culture literary influences the way people will perceive issues and they will adapt to change. In sports administration, culture is very influential.
The world has been grouped into ten large clusters which are believed to have more or less similar cultural traits. The cultural clusters include; Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia, Nordic Europe, Middle East, Latin Europe, Latin America, Germanic Europe, Eastern Europe, Confucian Asia and Anglo (Steers, sanchez-Rude & Nardon, 2010). These clusters have their distinct character traits but the Middle East has a distinct culture that poses challenges in sports administration. People of the Middle East have high regard for group collectivism and are devoted and loyal to their own people. However, they are not that cooperative to people from other cultures. It therefore becomes very difficult for foreigners to manage them effectively given the fact that sports administrators are mostly foreigners (Schermerhorn, 2009). On the same note, the Middle East culture sets out distinct roles for people depending on their gender and equality is not part of their beliefs. This has not only limited the mode of administration that can be practiced but has also discouraged many administrators.
Women are regarded less in Middle East society than their male counterparts. As a result, there are very few women in administrative and other positions of authority. On the same note, people of different gender are treated differently (Northouse, 2009). This has specifically barred women from joining administrative positions in sports. Similarly, men and women are not supposed to mingle freely if they are not related in the Middle East. Moreover, women are supposed to cover their bodies when in the company of men. Unfortunately, the sports attire does not cover most of the body parts. Consequently, this has brought problems when it is a male administrator in a female sport or the other way round. Furthermore, the restriction on male female association cannot allow men and women to work in the same office.
Group work is very vital in sports administration implementation of decisions involving consensus and commitment from group members. Participation of team members in day to day activities is crucial for success. Unfortunately, these attributes are not of much importance in the culture of the Middle East. People do not give teamwork much regard which means that an administrator is expected to make and ensure implementation of policies (Rosner & Shropshire, 2011). These decisions are bound to meet increased resistance from members which is tricky especially for sports administrators. On the same note, it is important to note that discipline and time management is crucial in sports. However, the culture of the Middle East does not emphasize on being time conscious. This poses a big challenge to sport administrators.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2009). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage publishers.
Rosner, S. & Shropshire, K. (2011). The Business of Sports. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
Schermerhorn, J. R. (2009). Exploring Management. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Streets, R. M., Sanchez-Rude, C. J. & Nardon, L. (2010). Management across Cultures: Challenges and Strategies. London: Camridge University press.