Author(s): MIZOGUCHI, N., Institution: JWCPE, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 877

31st ECSS Anniversary Congress Lausanne, Switzerland 2–5 July 2026

Institutional Awareness and Operational Realities of Whistleblowing Systems in Sports Organizations
-An Action Research Study on Governance Reform in Sport Organizations-

MIZOGUCHI Noriko
Japan Women's College Physical Education

Introduction
This study employed an action research design over a two-year period, in cooperation with a sports organization that had introduced a whistleblowing system. The purpose was to examine how the introduction of the system influenced organizational governance. The author participated directly as a participant observer, engaging with the organization’s activities to systematically identify practical challenges arising during the operation of the whistleblowing system.

Methods
This study aims to generate practical knowledge for establishing an effective operational environment for whistleblowing systems in sports organizations. Using an action research approach, it examines the operational realities following the introduction of a whistleblowing system, with particular attention to stakeholders’ awareness and understanding at the initial stage of implementation.
A two-year action research project was conducted in cooperation with a sports organization that had introduced a whistleblowing system. The author acted as a participant observer, systematically identifying operational challenges while contributing to the development and refinement of system management. Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire administered after a compliance training session. Participants included 32 executives and organizational stakeholders (response rate: 100%), and the study period spanned from May 2024 to March 2026.

Results
The results showed that 51.6% of respondents became aware of the whistleblowing system for the first time through the survey, indicating low baseline awareness. In addition, 48.3% were unsure whether they would prefer anonymous reporting, while preference for anonymous reporting exceeded that for non-anonymous reporting. These findings suggest that organizational culture, including norms of collective responsibility, closed group structures, and fear of reputational damage, may discourage active use of whistleblowing systems.

Discussion
The study concludes that insufficient awareness and understanding of whistleblowing systems constitute a major barrier to effective governance in sports organizations. Continuous training, transparent information sharing, and regular organizational updates are essential to ensure sustainable system operation and to enhance governance reform.

Topic: Sport management
Presentation: E-poster