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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Division III athletic administrator perceptions of organizational values through a lens of core value culturalization literature. Survey methodology was utilized to garner responses from 192 Division III head athletic directors [n = 75] and lower level (senior, associate, or assistant) athletic directors [n = 117]. Cumulative administrator emphasis on the “student-athlete experience” and “academic excellence” as top priorities demonstrates support that the mission of these Division III departments is to provide student-athletes with a high quality educational experience both in the classroom and in athletic competition (NCAA Division III, 2011). Analysis of lower-level administrator responses and open-ended responses, however, reveal insight into the lack of value-culturalization within the departments in this sample. The significant differences between athletic directors and lower- level administrators on all but four of the core values point toward an internal disparity in shared values. In order to fully maximize the educational potential of intercollegiate athletics, further concentrated efforts need to be made to imbed these values into the daily processes of these Division III organizations.

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