Effects of an Online Moral Reasoning Intervention on Coaches

Background/Purpose

The purpose of this experimental study was to examine the effects of an educational online servant leadership curriculum on coach moral reasoning.

Method

Participants in the study consisted of 37 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) coaches (male = 31, female = 6). The coaches were randomly assigned to either the control group or intervention group. Both the control and intervention group received continued exposure to the NAIA Champions of Character Program (CCP) material. The intervention group completed an online servant leadership for coaches curriculum, based in individual moral values associated with character driven servant leadership: 1) leadership, 2) coach mission, 3) love, 4) commitment, 5) respect, 6) responsibility, 7) patience, 8) humility, 9) integrity, 10) sportsmanship, and 11) empathy and compassion. The control group received no additional instruction beyond the NAIA program. Both groups were pre and post tested with the Hahm-Beller Values Choice Inventory (HBVCI), a valid and reliable (Cronbach Alpha .77-.89) tool for measuring moral reasoning. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0; ANOVA procedures were used to examine main effects and interactions. When appropriate, contrast procedures were used as a follow-up to significant interactions.

Analysis/Results

A significant difference was found with the interaction of group (treatment, control) by time on HBVCI scores, Wilk's Lambda F (1, 33) = 7.94, p = .008, partial eta² = .194. A significant linear contrast was found. The treatment group scored significantly higher from pretest (mean = 31.58 + SD = 6.78) to posttest (mean = 35.35 + SD = 8.03) compared to the control group pretest (30.60 + SD = 5.07) to posttest which decreased (mean = 28.8 + SD = 6.13).

Conclusions

While both coach groups received the CCP, only the Servant Leadership for Coaches Online^© group significantly improved their moral reasoning, while the control group declined in scores. Cognitive moral education that follows a specific servant leadership format appears to be effective in improving the moral reasoning of coaches through an online intervention curriculum. The development of courses similar to Servant Leadership for Coaches Online^© may provide a framework for effective character education leadership programs.