The model of institutionalization of Ethical climate in professional football of Iran with a data-based approach

The aim of this study was to present a model for institutionalizing the Ethical climate in Iranian professional football. The research was conducted with a qualitative approach, in data-based method based on purposeful sampling and using in-depth and semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation (23 interviews). Data analysis was performed based on Strauss and Corbin approach (open, axial and selective coding). Concepts identified were classified into six categories 1. Causal conditions (personality, ethical and individual factors); 2. Central category (institutionalization of ethical climate in Iranian professional football); 3. Strategies (culture building, education, meritocracy, revenue generation of clubs, development of infrastructures, transparency, enactment of incentive and punishment laws, organization of fan clubs, institutionalization of supervision and control and improvement of the stadium environment); 4. Underlying factors (financial, cultural-social, structural and infrastructural factors); 5. Interfering factors (economic, cultural, political and judicial conditions); And 6. The Consequences (incidence of oppositions, national and equipment burden, clean football, technical and economic development and increasing inclination to sports) and research model was created. According to the research results, managers are suggested to take some steps toward institutionalizing the ethical climate in Iranian professional football using the proposed model and appropriate planning and decision-making, while reducing ethical problems, and research in the independent effect of each of the political, economic, cultural and social factors in the Ethical climate of Iranian professional football is suggested to future researchers.