Context:
The culture that exists around Major League Baseball, in our opinion, is a mediocre one. We say this because for so many years, prior 2005, there was no anti-doping policy or regular testing done in regards to banning performance enhancing drugs. Now they at least have a drug testing policy and penalties for those who test positive, however, that's not to say that it is the best and most effective policy. We feel that they should increase the severity of the penalties because they are given so many chances. Does that really teach a lesson and protect the integrity of the game? Someone who fails their first drug test is suspended for 50 games out of the season. The next failed tests results in a 100 game suspension and if a third test is failed then that individual is banned for life. However, they can seek reinstatement after two years of suspension so we just don't think that this is a culture that is really trying to protect the integrity of the game of baseball. The subcultures that we feel exist in the MLB culture are; the majority who we think are those who do not use performing enhancing drugs and also those who do in fact who do use them. As far as stakeholders are concerned, we felt that fans, for example, have a better attitude towards those who admit to it and who accept responsibility for their actions rather than those who deny it when there is reasonable proof leading to that suspicion. We think that the culture that surrounds MLB in regards to performance enhancing drugs trickles down all the way from the commissioner down to the players and fans and that culture gives the impression that using these substances isn't that big of a deal. It is moving in the right direction because they at least implemented a policy, but if they are serious about freezing this culture then greater steps need to be taken.
Symbolic Component:
Everyone involved in the MLB needs to put their foot down and insist that there is no room for the use of performance enhancing drugs. Managers, coaches, and training staff could be more involved and pay closer attention to know what is going on with the players at all times. The more the players feel that they can get away with this, they are going to continue to use these substances because better performance equals more money.
Organizational Activities:
The MLB needs to go back and identify and/or recreate its core values, ideas and beliefs. We also said that a big part of the problem begins in the minor leagues. If the minor leagues are more strict about their anti-doping policy, fewer players would begin using illegal substances to help them get their "big break." By making punishments more severe and giving players less chances is going to help protect the integrity of the game of baseball. Also, increasing fines may help because players seem to learn their lesson after paying a large fine. Perhaps a salary cap would also help this issue. Since the rewards system in the MLB is based on performance, why wouldn't they use performance enhancing drugs? That's how they make more money. Maybe they should reward those who pass their drug tests or instate bonuses to teams who stay drug free. It's unfortunate that it should have to come to this; however, I think it would seriously have a positive effect on the culture of this sport organization. Peer groups within the MLB should hold one another accountable as well otherwise nothing will change. Another thing to possibly change is to portray a negative image around those who fail drug tests and do the opposite for those adhering to the rules and playing fairly.
