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Ethical Code Effectiveness in Football Clubs: A Longitudinal Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Bram Constandt

    (Ghent University)

  • Els Waegeneer

    (Ghent University)

  • Annick Willem

    (Ghent University)

Abstract

As football (soccer) clubs are facing different ethical challenges, many clubs are turning to ethical codes to counteract unethical behaviour. However, both in- and outside the sport field, uncertainty remains about the effectiveness of these ethical codes. For the first time, a longitudinal study design was adopted to evaluate code effectiveness. Specifically, a sample of non-professional football clubs formed the subject of our inquiry. Ethical code effectiveness was assessed by the measurement of the ethical climate. A repeated-measurements ANOVA revealed a positive evolution of the ethical climate within the studied football clubs. This evolution could not be ascribed to the mere presence of an ethical code. However, several potential code effectiveness determining characteristics were also included in the research design. Some of these accounted partly for the evolution of the ethical climate of the football clubs. Results suggest that football clubs should incorporate their ethical code into a broader ethical programme, with attention for professionalization initiatives, stakeholder management, ethical leadership, and whistle-blowing protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Bram Constandt & Els Waegeneer & Annick Willem, 2019. "Ethical Code Effectiveness in Football Clubs: A Longitudinal Analysis," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 156(3), pages 621-634, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:156:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-017-3552-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3552-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Bram Constandt & Johan Rosiers & Jolien Moernaut & Stef Van Der Hoeven & Annick Willem, 2022. "Part of the Game? Exploring the Prevalence and Normalization of Gambling in Belgian Sports Clubs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-14, May.
    3. Gareth R. T. White & Anthony Samuel & Robert J. Thomas, 2023. "Exploring and Expanding Supererogatory Acts: Beyond Duty for a Sustainable Future," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 185(3), pages 665-688, July.

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