Moral identity
Moral identity describes how strongly someone identifies with moral values. Moral identity positively influences ethical behavior. People with a high moral identity are more likely to make an ethical decision in difficult situations or dilemmas. The moral identity reduces undesirable and aggressive behavior in sports.
What is the link with sports-related fraud?
PrOFS research shows that moral identity promotes ethical behavior in sport. People with a strong moral identity are less likely to commit sports-related fraud. They are also more willing to report sports-related fraud. Emphasizing morality and strengthening the moral identity of athletes, coaches, administrators and other sports actors can therefore help prevent fraud in sports.
Attention! Moral identity does not always protect against fraud.
Many factors can have an influence:
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There are often double standards in the sports sector, where different rules seem to apply than in the “real” life.
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Moreover, people are very skilled at finding excuses to justify their behavior.
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Especially when fraud appears to have alleged positive consequences for themselves or the club, people are less likely to resist fraud.
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Even people with a high moral identity may be tempted, but later regret more due to an increased sense of guilt.
It remains important to emphasize moral values within sport. This is because fraud has negative consequences for the (financial) resources and reputation of sports clubs.
INDIVIDUAL ACTORS
ProOFS Recommendations
Developing a moral identity depends on upbringing and an individual's personality. A two-hour workshop cannot make someone a moral person. However, a workshop can ensure that the existing moral identity is, as it were, stimulated.
What else can a moral identity workshop do?
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Make sports actors more aware of ethical problems in the sports context.
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Strengthening awareness of personal values and strengthening the sense of responsibility
