ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to offer an overview of theories used to understand diversity and inclusion in sport organizations. Theory moves beyond description to provide an understanding of how, when, why, and under what conditions phenomena take place. The author categorizes the theories into three groups: managerial, sociological, and social psychological. Managerial theories focus on the impact of diversity on organizational outcomes. Sociological theories focus on structural issues, power, and conflict, and how these factors influence diversity and persons who differ from the majority. Finally, social psychological theories focus on how being dissimilar from others in social settings influences an individual’s affect and behavior. The chapter includes a discussion of how sport managers can use the theories in practice.
