Whistleblowing Intention in Sport: Perceptions, Antecedent Conditions, and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Abstract

The increased prevalence of whistleblowing in sport has precipitated the need to understand the antecedent conditions that underpin whistleblowing intentions. The act of whistleblowing centers on reporting an illegal (or unethical) act by an observer who possesses inside information of the wrongdoing. Sport offers a unique lens through which to study whistleblowing since the context does not follow traditional models of the practice, particularly regarding the antecedent conditions. Employing qualitative methods grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Attribution Theory, Organizational Commitment on Prosocial Behavior, and Cognitive Moral Development theoretical frameworks, the ideas that whistleblowing antecedent conditions in sport are self-serving and based on non-altruistic intentions were evaluated. As well, by applying benefit-to-cost differential and affiliation models, this research bridged the gap in the literature by initially revealing the complexities of whistleblowing among a sample of collegiate sport executives. Moreover, the qualitative measures aided in developing testable hypotheses on the relationship between antecedent conditions (e.g., altruism, prosocial behavior, revenge, competitive advantage, and personal advancement) and whistleblowing intentions while also providing potential barriers that impede the whistleblowing process. Sport-specific theory on ethical decision-making was strengthened contributing to a better understanding of the whistleblowing in sport.