Institutional Logic Multiplicity Among NCAA Division I Student Athletes and Their Respective Institutions

Authors

Jay Martyn, University of Colorado at Denver
Peyton J. Stensland, University of Cincinnati
Dominique C. Kropp, Xavier University
Brent D. Oja, University of Northern Colorado
Jordan R. Bass, University of Kansas

Abstract

Institutional logics, proposed by Thornton, Ocasio, and Lounsbury (2012), provides a construct to evaluate how institutional actors are influenced by, create, and modify various beliefs, values, and expectations in their respective environments. Within the context of NCAA Division I athletics, it is possible that multiple logics may exist, resulting in logic multiplicity. The purpose of the study, framed by Besharov and Smith’s (2014) work regarding logic heterogeneity and multiplicity, was to explore the institutional logics perceived and managed by NCAA Division I student athletes. Interviews with 12 student athletes were conducted, transcribed, and coded. Results indicated, Division I student athletes operate in an estranged (low compatibility, low centrality) or dominant (high compatibility, low centrality) environment. Furthermore, we identified four distinct themes: (a) the dominant athletics logic, (b) athletic identity over student identity, (c) family logics enforce athletic and academic logics, and (d) academics is a subsidiary logic to maintain athletic logics.

Recommended Citation

Martyn, Jay; Stensland, Peyton J.; Kropp, Dominique C.; Oja, Brent D.; and Bass, Jordan R. (2020) "Institutional Logic Multiplicity Among NCAA Division I Student Athletes and Their Respective Institutions," Global Sport Business Journal: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/gsbj/vol8/iss1/6