Does Having “the Right Stuff” Matter? Gender Differences in the Determinants of Career Success Among Intercollegiate Athletic Administrators

Gendered Managerial Discourses in Sport Organizations: Multiplicity and Complexity

“…They are therefore more likely than women to reap the benefits of this investment in social capital (cf. Sagas and Cunningham 2004). Moreover, if such practices are seen as 'obligatory' and are seen to enhance a director's position with volunteers, then such discursive practices may place women in an ambiguous position.…”

“…Senior managerial work in most organizations, including that in sport, is still primarily a male domain (Acosta and Carpenter 2006;Claringbould 2006;Hughes 2004;Lapchick 2006). Researchers who have focused on the skewed gender ratio of the number of executive directors/senior managers in sport organizations have looked at ways in which these individuals explain their lack of women colleagues and/or have explored individual differences between men and women athletic directors (Fitzgerald et al 1994;Hoeber and Frisby 2001;Sagas and Cunningham 2004;Whisenant et al 2002;White and Brackenridge 1985). Shaw and Frisby (2006) however, have shown that gender not only shapes identities but is an axis of power that also plays an influential role in interactions, structures, and processes of sport organizations.…”

Women in intercollegiate athletics : an exploration of the career development of female senior administrators.

“…Smith (2005) and Grappendorf et al (2004) had similar findings in which female intercollegiate Athletic Directors suggested appropriate academic credentials were critical for obtaining a job in college athletics. Sagas and Cunningham (2004a) found that intercollegiate administrators with extensive educational histories and practical experience had longer occupational tenure than those who did not. Advanced educational degrees were also perceived as a means to job security, particularly in a university environment (Inglis et aI.,2000).…”

“…These studies have identified barriers and supports to women's career development in intercollegiate athletics including (a) gender and gender role stereotypes (Burton et aI., 2009;Burton et aI., 2011;Grappendorf et aI., 2004;Grappendorf et aI., 2008); (b) homologous reproduction (Aicher & Sagas, 2009;Whisenant et aI., 2002), (c) limited skill development (Grappendorf et aI., 2008;Hoffman, 2010;Judd, 1995;Quarterman et aI., 2006), (d) networking and mentoring relationships (Bower, 2008(Bower, , 2009Lovett & Lowry, 1994), and (e) work-life balance and support (Bruening et aI., 2008;Sagas & Cunningham, 2004a). The following section will discuss what is known about the career experiences of women in intercollegiate athletics.…”

“…Professional development activities as components to career development and success have been studied in varying degrees in intercollegiate athletics (Cunningham & Sagas, 2002;Cunningham, Sagas, & Ashley, 2001;Sagas & Cunningham, 2004a, 2004b. Sagas and Cunningham (2004a) suggested professional development activities included the accrual of social capital and human capital.…”