Perceptions of Intuition among Campus Recreation Outdoor Program Professional Staff: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Authors have pointed to the role that intuition plays in organizational and managerial decision making. The primary purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of intuitive experiences and intuition in general among campus and university recreation outdoor program professional staff particularly in light of their positions of authority and influence on program direction and service. An online survey was administered to campus recreation outdoor program professionals in 2011/2012 with results indicating females are more likely to use intuitive experiences than males in the workplace. Work experience with a college outdoor program, how one believes intuition is acquired, and whether one has ignored their intuition did not differentiate respondents concerning their use of intuitive experiences. While further research is warranted findings from this study should provide useful information for campus recreation outdoor program professionals interested in more closely examining how gut feelings and instincts play a role in managing their respective programs.