Gender in Management: An International Journal

Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to examine the effect of gender openness on female student representation within sport management preparation programs.

Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was sent to 172 undergraduate and graduate sport management preparation programs within North America and 72 completed surveys were returned. These data were used to test confirmatory factor and structural equation models at the undergraduate (n=47) and graduate levels (n=47).

Findings – Results show that gender openness progresses sequentially and is an effect of programmatic size.

Research limitations/implications – The primary limitation of this research investigation was the utilization of a cross-sectional design given the topic sensitivity. Despite its cross-sectional focus, the study offers important insight about gender openness and inclusion for female students within sport management education.

Originality/value – This study utilized a non-standard approach by examining programs relative to gender openness in sequence as they relate to women in management education. This refreshed approach should be valued by scholars and practitioners alike.