Unlocking the Power of Humanistic Leadership in College Athletics
College athletics is a complex and often controversial arena where the well-being of student athletes can sometimes be overshadowed by the drive to win and generate revenue. The research paper titled "Navigating the Ethically Complex and Controversial World of College Athletics: A Humanistic Leadership Approach to Student Athlete Well-Being" explores how a humanistic leadership approach can address these challenges and enhance the well-being of student athletes.
The Challenges Facing College Athletics
College athletics faces three primary challenges: the tension between amateur and professional status of athletes, the ethical edge between winning and winning fairly, and the insatiable drive to win while protecting student athlete well-being. These challenges are deeply intertwined with the economistic model that often governs college athletics, focusing on profit and winning at the expense of student athlete development.
Implementing Humanistic Leadership
Humanistic leadership offers a promising path forward by prioritizing dignity and shared well-being. This approach encourages leadership role modeling, structural supports, and accountability to create an environment where student athletes can thrive. Here are some strategies for practitioners:
- Role Modeling: Leaders should exemplify humanistic values, demonstrating respect and care for student athletes' well-being.
- Structural Supports: Implement policies that prevent unethical behaviors and ensure that student athletes are treated with dignity.
- Accountability: Hold individuals accountable for actions that violate ethical norms, ensuring a culture of respect and integrity.
Encouraging Further Research
Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the principles of humanistic leadership and explore how they can be applied within their own institutions. Further research can help identify additional strategies to align college athletics with the values of higher education, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience for student athletes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Navigating the Ethically Complex and Controversial World of College Athletics: A Humanistic Leadership Approach to Student Athlete Well-Being.
