ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the influence of religion in sport organizations. It defines religion and spirituality, and discusses the differences between the two. The chapter highlights the influence of religion in the workplace. It also provides an overview of how athletes incorporate religion into their sport participation. Religious beliefs can influence a variety of work-related outcomes, including strategic decisions, ethical behavior, leadership, and stress. Leaders might draw from their religious beliefs to inform their organizational decision making. Social identity salience is particularly important in the discussion of religious beliefs and ethical behavior. A person's religious beliefs have the potential to influence work-related attitudes and behaviors, and this is certainly the case with leadership. Religious beliefs affect sport participants in two ways. First, religion influences who participates in sport and their reasons for doing so. Second, some athletes rely on their religious beliefs while participating. Many athletes turn to religious beliefs or employ prayers or rituals while participating in sport.
