Erika Gray, Eric Macintosh

The aim of this research is to investigate what support Canadian National Sport Organizations (NSO) need to develop a culture that incorporates the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). To do so, implementing the values of EDI within NSOs’ culture from a management by values perspective is encouraged using the 4-I Values Framework (VF). Nineteen interviews were conducted with nine full-time paid staff and ten members of the boards of directors. NSOs require the following support to incorporate the values of EDI: an EDI resource centre, assistance to strategically invest in EDI, and use of a values-based approach. Findings denote that NSOs are oscillating between the intuitive and institutional stages of the 4-I VF. This signals the values of EDI are leadership dependent and not always embedded within the organization’s culture. Theoretical implications are advanced using the 4-I VF for embedment of EDI as values into organization’s cultures. 

Keywords: Organizational culture, management, values 

Citation:

Gray, E., & MacIntosh, E. (2026). Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion: Perspectives from full-time paid staff and members of the boards of directors in Canadian national sport organizations. International Journal of Sport Management, 27(2), 155-182.