Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Trust and distrust in community sports work: Tales from the “shop floor”

Gale, Laura A.; Ives, Ben A.; Potrac, Paul A.; Nelson, Lee J.

Authors

Dr Laura Gale Laura.Gale@hull.ac.uk
Lecturer in Sport Coaching and Performance

Ben A. Ives

Paul A. Potrac

Lee J. Nelson



Abstract

This study addressed the issue of interpersonal trust and distrust in the (sporting) workplace. Data were generated through cyclical, in-depth interviews with 12 community sports coaches. The interview transcripts were subjected to emic and etic readings, with Hardin and Cook's theorization of (dis)trust and Goffman's dramaturgical writings providing the primary heuristic devices. Our analysis produced three interconnected themes. These were a) how the participants' decision to (dis)trust contextual others was based on their perceptions of encapsulated interests, b) those strategies that the participants employed to judge the trustworthiness of colleagues, and c) how the participants' workplace bonds with coworkers differed according to their perceived trustworthiness. Importantly, this study revealed how interpersonal (dis)trust for these individuals was informed by the pursuit of various professional interests, uncertainty regarding continued employment and career progression, and was subject to ongoing strategic interaction and reflection. Based on these findings, we believe there is much to gain from the micro-level exploration of “how” and “why” sports workers seek to negotiate and manage workplace relationships.

Citation

Gale, L. A., Ives, B. A., Potrac, P. A., & Nelson, L. J. (2019). Trust and distrust in community sports work: Tales from the “shop floor”. Sociology of Sport Journal, 36(3), 244-253. https://doi.org/10.1123/SSJ.2018-0156

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 20, 2019
Online Publication Date Sep 1, 2019
Publication Date Sep 1, 2019
Deposit Date Oct 4, 2023
Journal Sociology of Sport Journal
Print ISSN 0741-1235
Electronic ISSN 1543-2785
Publisher Human Kinetics
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 36
Issue 3
Pages 244-253
DOI https://doi.org/10.1123/SSJ.2018-0156
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4399701
Related Public URLs https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/622593/