Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions of Organizational-Professional Conflict in Athletic Training Practice Settings

An abstract of the study by Pitney examining the perceptions of organizational-professional conflict (OPC), including its causes and prevention, among certified athletic trainers. Results show that we found the causes of OPC: 1) questioning medical decisions and 2) poor communication by the athletic trainer. When medical decisions are not understood by other parties (eg, coaches) negative encounters can occur and, thus conflict may result. Such conflict was perceived as a normal aspect of the AT role. In other instances, poor communication by the AT led to a lack of understanding of the subsequent actions and, thus, resulted in conflict. Four themes provide insight as to how OPC is prevented: 1) Effective communication that is professional, open, and direct; 2) Relationship building/ developing rapport with organizational personnel; 3) Gaining trust and respect; and 4) Organizational support. Organizational support for medical decisions is predicated on having gained the trust and respect of others in the organization. Trust and respect result from purposefully building relationships and establishing rapport with organizational personnel. The trust and respect is the result of effectively communicating in a professional manner, as well as open and direct communication based on injury/illness evidence or policy.