Standing on a glass cliff? A case study of FIFA’s gender initiatives
Authors: Ahn, N.Y. and Cunningham, G.B.
Journal: Managing Sport and Leisure
Volume: 25
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 114-137
ISSN: 2375-0472
Abstract:Rationale/Purpose: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has taken gender equalityFootnote1 initiatives by inaugurating a female leadership development programme (FLDP)Footnote2 as well as appointing womenFootnote3 in leadership positions. As such, we draw from a new theoretical notion, glass cliff to explore why FIFA started FLDP and assigned women to leadership ranks. Methodology/Approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 women who accomplished FLDP. Findings and Implications: There was no direct evidence to support the glass cliff phenomenon in FIFA’s gender-related actions. Although the results are inconclusive, some evidence showed that FIFA’s gender initiatives emerged during their reforming processes in 2015. Our findings demonstrated that FIFA’s historic appointments of women to leadership positions after the corruption and the continuance of FLDP are concerned with the glass cliff effect, as women have never been sought as leaders in football governance. We addressed practical and theoretical implications and suggestions for future research.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39448/
Source: BURO EPrints
