Whether relating to abuse and harassment, or systemic doping, you may wonder how some issues remain open secrets in organizations where multiple stakeholders know about a problem or a concern, but no one publicly brings it up. Research reported in the Harvard Business Review describes a “bystander effect” whereby people stand on the sidelines as passive bystanders, waiting for others to act rather than doing something themselves. To address this phenomenon, leaders must encourage stakeholders to speak up, change organizational culture that encourages passing the buck, and reward acts of individual courage.

Subscribe to Updates
News travels fast. Stay connected to sport and physical activity-related knowledge, news and resources through SIRC’s daily newsletter – delivered straight to your inbox.
Latest Knowledge Nuggets

SIGN up for Canadian sport daily

News travels fast. Stay connected to sport and physical activity-related knowledge, news and resources through SIRC’s daily newsletter – delivered straight to your inbox.
Skip to content