Sport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120The Model for Explaining Obstacles and Drivers of Social Development in the Programs of Sports Organizations for Development and Peace (SDP)The Model for Explaining Obstacles and Drivers of Social Development in the Programs of Sports Organizations for Development and Peace (SDP)1742389410.22089/smrj.2023.13682.3789FASaeedJafariPh.D. Student of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranSeyed NasrollahSajadiProfessor of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranEbrahimAlidoust GhahfarokhiAssociate Professor of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8909-7122Journal Article20230505Background and Purpose
One of the core principles of Olympism and the objectives enshrined in the Olympic Charter is to place sport at the service of balanced human development, aiming to foster a peaceful society grounded in the preservation of human dignity. Sport functions as a powerful educational tool that not only promotes cognitive development but also strengthens social cohesion by teaching and reinforcing positive social behaviors. This dual role of sport—as both an educational medium and a social integrator—is widely recognized in international frameworks such as the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) initiatives on Development through Sport. Beyond its educational and social functions, sport has the capacity to address emerging global social and economic demands, offering a strategic platform for investment that can ensure sustainable social and economic progress over the long term (Di Palma, Tafuri, Ascione, & Raiola, 2018).
Purposeful and intelligent utilization of sport can drive positive changes in public health and socialization across all age groups. This is particularly relevant through the social inclusion of marginalized populations, economic and social empowerment of disadvantaged communities, and the expansion of intercultural relations and conflict resolution. Collectively, these outcomes define sustainable development through sport (Ghorbani, Safari Jafarloo, & Esmaeili, 2020). These themes, along with other social variables that act as connective tissue within local communities, underpin the broader concept of social development. Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) organizations and policy frameworks exemplify how sport can be leveraged to achieve sustainable development goals (Hylton & Bramham, 2008).
Despite this recognition, the mechanisms through which social development is realized via sport, as well as the barriers and facilitators encountered by sports organizations dedicated to development and peace, remain underexplored, particularly in local contexts. This study aimed to elucidate the obstacles and drivers influencing the dimensions of social development through sport. Specifically, it sought to answer how social development is realized via sport and to identify the barriers and facilitators within the programs of sports organizations dedicated to development and peace.
Materials and Methods
This research employed an exploratory, interpretive paradigm with an inductive approach to advance understanding of social development through sport. The methodology was grounded in the classical grounded theory approach (Glaserian), which prioritizes the description and explanation of phenomena without imposing preconceived theoretical frameworks. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously through in-depth interviews, detailed note-taking, annotation, open and selective coding, and iterative theory development.
Participants included a purposive, criteria-based sample of nineteen experts drawn from diverse but relevant fields. These included university professors specializing in sports sciences, social and behavioral sciences, economics, and development studies. Additionally, specialists from the UNESCO National Commission of Iran, experts from the National Olympic Committee, and senior managers from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science, and Ministry of Sports and Youth were included. All participants possessed substantial expertise in development issues, particularly social development through sport, ensuring rich and authoritative data.
The data collection process involved semi-structured interviews that allowed participants to share their experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding the role of sport in social development, the challenges faced, and the enabling factors. The iterative coding process enabled the emergence of a grounded theory that captures the complex interplay of factors shaping social development through sport.
Findings
The resulting grounded theory posits that the strategies employed by sports organizations for development and peace yield social development when these organizations implement planned socio-sportive changes. However, such changes encounter significant obstacles that must be addressed to optimize impact.
Social development through sport manifests across seven interconnected domains. These are collective social responsibility, sustainable peace, planned social-sport interventions, improved quality of social communication, equality and justice, social integration and cohesion, and individual and collective well-being. Each domain reflects a vital aspect of how sport contributes to the social fabric and the holistic development of communities.
The study identified twelve key obstacles that impede the realization of social development through sport. These include resource limitations, skepticism toward sport as a development tool, inter-organizational conflict, knowledge gaps, planning errors, management challenges, legal and executive issues, gender discrimination, political and socio-cultural barriers, and economic problems at both national and regional levels. These barriers operate at multiple levels and interact dynamically, often compounding each other and limiting the effectiveness of SDP programs.
Conversely, the main drivers facilitating social development through sport were identified as merit-based selection, networking, strategic planning, shared leadership, process streamlining, awareness and training, culture-building, reengineering, and institutional support. These drivers enhance the capacity of sports organizations to design and implement impactful programs, foster collaboration, and sustain positive social change.
The interaction between these obstacles and drivers is complex and dynamic. Barriers tend to diminish both the quantity and quality of organizational initiatives, while drivers enhance program outcomes and facilitate the realization of social development through sport. The balance between these forces determines the overall effectiveness of SDP efforts.
Conclusion
Sports events and programs should actively contribute to social and civic development. Social capital not only supports the growth of sport but is also reinforced by widespread societal engagement in sport, strengthening facets of social capital such as harmony, solidarity, resilience, civic participation, and trust. These factors collectively reflect the social and psychological health of a society.
Herasimovich and Alzua-Sorzabal (2021) describe sport for development and peace as a domain where sport—including non-competitive physical activities—serves broader social and peacebuilding goals. This study underscores the importance of strategic planning and ecosystem-wide cooperation in advancing social development through sport.
Regular, functionally oriented organizational approaches and comprehensive stakeholder collaboration are essential for progress. This requires commitment from governmental bodies, sports organizations, educational institutions, civil society, and international partners to create enabling environments for sport to fulfill its social development potential.
Acknowledgments
We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their material and moral support of this research.Background and Purpose
One of the core principles of Olympism and the objectives enshrined in the Olympic Charter is to place sport at the service of balanced human development, aiming to foster a peaceful society grounded in the preservation of human dignity. Sport functions as a powerful educational tool that not only promotes cognitive development but also strengthens social cohesion by teaching and reinforcing positive social behaviors. This dual role of sport—as both an educational medium and a social integrator—is widely recognized in international frameworks such as the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) initiatives on Development through Sport. Beyond its educational and social functions, sport has the capacity to address emerging global social and economic demands, offering a strategic platform for investment that can ensure sustainable social and economic progress over the long term (Di Palma, Tafuri, Ascione, & Raiola, 2018).
Purposeful and intelligent utilization of sport can drive positive changes in public health and socialization across all age groups. This is particularly relevant through the social inclusion of marginalized populations, economic and social empowerment of disadvantaged communities, and the expansion of intercultural relations and conflict resolution. Collectively, these outcomes define sustainable development through sport (Ghorbani, Safari Jafarloo, & Esmaeili, 2020). These themes, along with other social variables that act as connective tissue within local communities, underpin the broader concept of social development. Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) organizations and policy frameworks exemplify how sport can be leveraged to achieve sustainable development goals (Hylton & Bramham, 2008).
Despite this recognition, the mechanisms through which social development is realized via sport, as well as the barriers and facilitators encountered by sports organizations dedicated to development and peace, remain underexplored, particularly in local contexts. This study aimed to elucidate the obstacles and drivers influencing the dimensions of social development through sport. Specifically, it sought to answer how social development is realized via sport and to identify the barriers and facilitators within the programs of sports organizations dedicated to development and peace.
Materials and Methods
This research employed an exploratory, interpretive paradigm with an inductive approach to advance understanding of social development through sport. The methodology was grounded in the classical grounded theory approach (Glaserian), which prioritizes the description and explanation of phenomena without imposing preconceived theoretical frameworks. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously through in-depth interviews, detailed note-taking, annotation, open and selective coding, and iterative theory development.
Participants included a purposive, criteria-based sample of nineteen experts drawn from diverse but relevant fields. These included university professors specializing in sports sciences, social and behavioral sciences, economics, and development studies. Additionally, specialists from the UNESCO National Commission of Iran, experts from the National Olympic Committee, and senior managers from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science, and Ministry of Sports and Youth were included. All participants possessed substantial expertise in development issues, particularly social development through sport, ensuring rich and authoritative data.
The data collection process involved semi-structured interviews that allowed participants to share their experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding the role of sport in social development, the challenges faced, and the enabling factors. The iterative coding process enabled the emergence of a grounded theory that captures the complex interplay of factors shaping social development through sport.
Findings
The resulting grounded theory posits that the strategies employed by sports organizations for development and peace yield social development when these organizations implement planned socio-sportive changes. However, such changes encounter significant obstacles that must be addressed to optimize impact.
Social development through sport manifests across seven interconnected domains. These are collective social responsibility, sustainable peace, planned social-sport interventions, improved quality of social communication, equality and justice, social integration and cohesion, and individual and collective well-being. Each domain reflects a vital aspect of how sport contributes to the social fabric and the holistic development of communities.
The study identified twelve key obstacles that impede the realization of social development through sport. These include resource limitations, skepticism toward sport as a development tool, inter-organizational conflict, knowledge gaps, planning errors, management challenges, legal and executive issues, gender discrimination, political and socio-cultural barriers, and economic problems at both national and regional levels. These barriers operate at multiple levels and interact dynamically, often compounding each other and limiting the effectiveness of SDP programs.
Conversely, the main drivers facilitating social development through sport were identified as merit-based selection, networking, strategic planning, shared leadership, process streamlining, awareness and training, culture-building, reengineering, and institutional support. These drivers enhance the capacity of sports organizations to design and implement impactful programs, foster collaboration, and sustain positive social change.
The interaction between these obstacles and drivers is complex and dynamic. Barriers tend to diminish both the quantity and quality of organizational initiatives, while drivers enhance program outcomes and facilitate the realization of social development through sport. The balance between these forces determines the overall effectiveness of SDP efforts.
Conclusion
Sports events and programs should actively contribute to social and civic development. Social capital not only supports the growth of sport but is also reinforced by widespread societal engagement in sport, strengthening facets of social capital such as harmony, solidarity, resilience, civic participation, and trust. These factors collectively reflect the social and psychological health of a society.
Herasimovich and Alzua-Sorzabal (2021) describe sport for development and peace as a domain where sport—including non-competitive physical activities—serves broader social and peacebuilding goals. This study underscores the importance of strategic planning and ecosystem-wide cooperation in advancing social development through sport.
Regular, functionally oriented organizational approaches and comprehensive stakeholder collaboration are essential for progress. This requires commitment from governmental bodies, sports organizations, educational institutions, civil society, and international partners to create enabling environments for sport to fulfill its social development potential.
Acknowledgments
We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their material and moral support of this research.https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_3894_5c8e07660e3000f141dda8b83107ed6e.pdfSport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120Using International Human Resources in Iranian Sports: A Grounded TheoryUsing International Human Resources in Iranian Sports: A Grounded Theory4364432510.22089/smrj.2024.14604.3852FAMohsenSadeghiPHD in sports management at Urmia UniversitySeyyed MohammadKashefUrmia University, Urmia, IranMohsenBehnamAssistant Professor / Urmia University0000-0002-8302-0212Journal Article20230401Background and PurposeIranian sports have historically underutilized the potential of international human resources, including managers, coaches, and players, despite the well-documented value these professionals bring to the development of sports globally. Across the world, successful sports clubs and organizations often attribute a significant portion of their achievements to the expertise and experience of foreign talent. These international human resources contribute not only technical skills but also strategic insights, intercultural competencies, and innovative management practices that drive competitive success and organizational growth.However, Iranian sports organizations face systemic challenges that limit their ability to attract, integrate, and retain such international talent effectively. These challenges stem from a complex interplay of political, cultural, economic, and organizational factors that create barriers to international recruitment and utilization. The lack of a structured and comprehensive framework to guide the effective use of international human resources in Iranian sports has resulted in missed opportunities for growth and development.This study aims to address this critical gap by developing a comprehensive model for the effective utilization of international human resources in Iranian sports. Employing a grounded theory methodology, the research seeks to identify the key factors influencing recruitment and integration, explore the contextual and intervening variables that affect these processes, and propose strategic approaches that can optimize outcomes for Iranian sports organizations.MethodologyThe research adopts a qualitative design grounded in Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach, situated within an interpretive paradigm that emphasizes understanding the meanings and processes underlying social phenomena. The study population was composed of twenty-three key stakeholders with diverse and relevant expertise. These included sports legislators involved in policymaking, senior sports managers with direct experience in international recruitment, heads of national sports federations, managers from Spanish clubs renowned for their exemplary international recruitment systems, professors specializing in sports management, and elite international athletes familiar with cross-cultural sports environments.Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling to ensure comprehensive representation of perspectives and experiences. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, meaning that no new significant information emerged from additional interviews.Data analysis followed the three-stage coding process characteristic of grounded theory methodology. Open coding was used to identify initial concepts and categories from the raw data. Axial coding then related these categories to one another, exploring their properties and dimensions. Finally, selective coding integrated the categories into a coherent conceptual model that explains the phenomenon of international human resource utilization in Iranian sports. ResultsThe demographic profile of the participants included eighteen males and five females, with a mean age of 47.21 years (±3.24). The group was highly qualified, comprising twenty PhD holders, nine professors, eleven club managers, one member of parliament, one elite athlete, and one federation head.Through rigorous analysis, the study generated 213 open codes, which were synthesized into twenty core categories and fifty-seven key concepts. These categories were organized into five major components that constitute the proposed model:Causal Factors: These include professional expertise, intercultural interaction, and financial considerations. Professional expertise refers to the technical and managerial skills international human resources bring. Intercultural interaction highlights the importance of cultural exchange and adaptation in facilitating effective collaboration. Financial considerations encompass the costs, incentives, and economic feasibility of recruiting and retaining foreign talent.Contextual Factors: Organizational sanitization, cultural and geographical compatibility, and knowledge transfer are critical contextual variables. Organizational sanitization refers to the readiness and capacity of sports organizations to adopt international practices and integrate foreign personnel. Cultural and geographical compatibility addresses the alignment or divergence between the host country’s culture and that of the international recruits. Knowledge transfer emphasizes the process through which expertise and innovations are disseminated within the organization.Intervening Factors: Political constraints, management challenges, economic limitations, and cultural-religious considerations act as barriers or facilitators that influence the effectiveness of international human resource utilization. Political constraints include sanctions, diplomatic relations, and regulatory policies. Management challenges involve leadership capacity, organizational structure, and decision-making processes. Economic limitations pertain to budgetary constraints and resource allocation. Cultural-religious considerations reflect societal norms and values that may affect acceptance and integration of foreign personnel.Strategic Approaches: The model proposes managerial reforms, individual competency development, institutional policies, financial mechanisms, and legal frameworks as strategic levers to overcome barriers and optimize recruitment outcomes. Managerial reforms focus on enhancing leadership effectiveness and organizational culture. Individual competency development involves training both local and international staff to foster mutual understanding and performance. Institutional policies provide guidelines and support for international recruitment. Financial mechanisms include funding models and incentives. Legal frameworks establish the regulatory environment governing employment and contracts.Expected Outcomes: The successful implementation of these strategies is expected to result in organizational development, managerial advancement, socio-cultural integration, and economic growth. Organizational development encompasses improved structures, processes, and capabilities. Managerial advancement refers to enhanced leadership and governance. Socio-cultural integration highlights the harmonious blending of diverse cultural elements within sports organizations. Economic growth reflects increased revenues, market expansion, and overall sectoral development. DiscussionThe findings illuminate the multifaceted nature of challenges that have historically hindered Iran’s effective use of international sports talent. Systemic obstacles such as political sanctions, economic constraints, and cultural-religious sensitivities create a complex environment requiring nuanced and multi-dimensional strategies.The proposed model underscores the necessity of comprehensive managerial reforms that address institutional barriers and foster an organizational culture conducive to international collaboration. Such reforms are essential to streamline processes, clarify roles, and empower decision-makers to facilitate foreign talent integration.Cultural adaptation programs emerge as a critical component, facilitating smoother intercultural interactions and reducing friction between local and international personnel. These programs can include language training, cultural orientation, and ongoing support to enhance mutual respect and understanding.Robust financial and legal frameworks are indispensable for supporting recruitment and retention efforts. Transparent contract management, competitive compensation packages, and clear legal protections for both parties create a stable and attractive environment for international human resources.The strategic implementation of these approaches can position Iranian sports organizations to better leverage international expertise, enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to the sustainable development of the sports sector. ConclusionThis study presents a grounded, empirically derived model for the effective utilization of international human resources in Iranian sports. By identifying causal, contextual, intervening, strategic, and outcome-related factors, the model provides a comprehensive roadmap for overcoming existing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities.The integration of professional expertise, intercultural competence, and financial viability within a supportive organizational and regulatory environment is crucial. Strategic managerial reforms, competency development, and policy innovation are key to unlocking the potential of international talent.Ultimately, the successful adoption of this model can lead to enhanced organizational performance, socio-cultural cohesion, and economic growth within Iran’s sports industry, aligning with global best practices and contributing to national sports development goalsBackground and PurposeIranian sports have historically underutilized the potential of international human resources, including managers, coaches, and players, despite the well-documented value these professionals bring to the development of sports globally. Across the world, successful sports clubs and organizations often attribute a significant portion of their achievements to the expertise and experience of foreign talent. These international human resources contribute not only technical skills but also strategic insights, intercultural competencies, and innovative management practices that drive competitive success and organizational growth.However, Iranian sports organizations face systemic challenges that limit their ability to attract, integrate, and retain such international talent effectively. These challenges stem from a complex interplay of political, cultural, economic, and organizational factors that create barriers to international recruitment and utilization. The lack of a structured and comprehensive framework to guide the effective use of international human resources in Iranian sports has resulted in missed opportunities for growth and development.This study aims to address this critical gap by developing a comprehensive model for the effective utilization of international human resources in Iranian sports. Employing a grounded theory methodology, the research seeks to identify the key factors influencing recruitment and integration, explore the contextual and intervening variables that affect these processes, and propose strategic approaches that can optimize outcomes for Iranian sports organizations.MethodologyThe research adopts a qualitative design grounded in Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach, situated within an interpretive paradigm that emphasizes understanding the meanings and processes underlying social phenomena. The study population was composed of twenty-three key stakeholders with diverse and relevant expertise. These included sports legislators involved in policymaking, senior sports managers with direct experience in international recruitment, heads of national sports federations, managers from Spanish clubs renowned for their exemplary international recruitment systems, professors specializing in sports management, and elite international athletes familiar with cross-cultural sports environments.Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling to ensure comprehensive representation of perspectives and experiences. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, meaning that no new significant information emerged from additional interviews.Data analysis followed the three-stage coding process characteristic of grounded theory methodology. Open coding was used to identify initial concepts and categories from the raw data. Axial coding then related these categories to one another, exploring their properties and dimensions. Finally, selective coding integrated the categories into a coherent conceptual model that explains the phenomenon of international human resource utilization in Iranian sports. ResultsThe demographic profile of the participants included eighteen males and five females, with a mean age of 47.21 years (±3.24). The group was highly qualified, comprising twenty PhD holders, nine professors, eleven club managers, one member of parliament, one elite athlete, and one federation head.Through rigorous analysis, the study generated 213 open codes, which were synthesized into twenty core categories and fifty-seven key concepts. These categories were organized into five major components that constitute the proposed model:Causal Factors: These include professional expertise, intercultural interaction, and financial considerations. Professional expertise refers to the technical and managerial skills international human resources bring. Intercultural interaction highlights the importance of cultural exchange and adaptation in facilitating effective collaboration. Financial considerations encompass the costs, incentives, and economic feasibility of recruiting and retaining foreign talent.Contextual Factors: Organizational sanitization, cultural and geographical compatibility, and knowledge transfer are critical contextual variables. Organizational sanitization refers to the readiness and capacity of sports organizations to adopt international practices and integrate foreign personnel. Cultural and geographical compatibility addresses the alignment or divergence between the host country’s culture and that of the international recruits. Knowledge transfer emphasizes the process through which expertise and innovations are disseminated within the organization.Intervening Factors: Political constraints, management challenges, economic limitations, and cultural-religious considerations act as barriers or facilitators that influence the effectiveness of international human resource utilization. Political constraints include sanctions, diplomatic relations, and regulatory policies. Management challenges involve leadership capacity, organizational structure, and decision-making processes. Economic limitations pertain to budgetary constraints and resource allocation. Cultural-religious considerations reflect societal norms and values that may affect acceptance and integration of foreign personnel.Strategic Approaches: The model proposes managerial reforms, individual competency development, institutional policies, financial mechanisms, and legal frameworks as strategic levers to overcome barriers and optimize recruitment outcomes. Managerial reforms focus on enhancing leadership effectiveness and organizational culture. Individual competency development involves training both local and international staff to foster mutual understanding and performance. Institutional policies provide guidelines and support for international recruitment. Financial mechanisms include funding models and incentives. Legal frameworks establish the regulatory environment governing employment and contracts.Expected Outcomes: The successful implementation of these strategies is expected to result in organizational development, managerial advancement, socio-cultural integration, and economic growth. Organizational development encompasses improved structures, processes, and capabilities. Managerial advancement refers to enhanced leadership and governance. Socio-cultural integration highlights the harmonious blending of diverse cultural elements within sports organizations. Economic growth reflects increased revenues, market expansion, and overall sectoral development. DiscussionThe findings illuminate the multifaceted nature of challenges that have historically hindered Iran’s effective use of international sports talent. Systemic obstacles such as political sanctions, economic constraints, and cultural-religious sensitivities create a complex environment requiring nuanced and multi-dimensional strategies.The proposed model underscores the necessity of comprehensive managerial reforms that address institutional barriers and foster an organizational culture conducive to international collaboration. Such reforms are essential to streamline processes, clarify roles, and empower decision-makers to facilitate foreign talent integration.Cultural adaptation programs emerge as a critical component, facilitating smoother intercultural interactions and reducing friction between local and international personnel. These programs can include language training, cultural orientation, and ongoing support to enhance mutual respect and understanding.Robust financial and legal frameworks are indispensable for supporting recruitment and retention efforts. Transparent contract management, competitive compensation packages, and clear legal protections for both parties create a stable and attractive environment for international human resources.The strategic implementation of these approaches can position Iranian sports organizations to better leverage international expertise, enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to the sustainable development of the sports sector. ConclusionThis study presents a grounded, empirically derived model for the effective utilization of international human resources in Iranian sports. By identifying causal, contextual, intervening, strategic, and outcome-related factors, the model provides a comprehensive roadmap for overcoming existing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities.The integration of professional expertise, intercultural competence, and financial viability within a supportive organizational and regulatory environment is crucial. Strategic managerial reforms, competency development, and policy innovation are key to unlocking the potential of international talent.Ultimately, the successful adoption of this model can lead to enhanced organizational performance, socio-cultural cohesion, and economic growth within Iran’s sports industry, aligning with global best practices and contributing to national sports development goalshttps://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4325_d3e8fc83b3e886a0dc2aa9845a5215bf.pdfSport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120Analysis of Relationships and Solutions for Legal Obstacles in Women’s Sports in IranAnalysis of Relationships and Solutions for Legal Obstacles in Women’s Sports in Iran6586398510.22089/smrj.2023.15005.3884FABaharehNasrabadiMaster's student, Gilan University, IranRahimRamezani Nezhad.Sports management of Gilan University, Faculty of Physical EducationBehnamNaghipour GiviSport Sciences Research Institute of Iran0000-0003-0637-2086Journal Article20230611Background and Purpose
Women's sports in Iran face a range of legal limitations and obstacles that distinguish them from other sports sectors. These legal barriers restrict the development and participation of women in sports, reflecting broader societal challenges related to gender equity and rights. The observance of women's rights in sports is not only a national issue but also a significant concern for the global community, as gender equality and empowerment are fundamental human rights recognized internationally.
Despite the increasing attention to women's rights in various domains, the legal challenges specific to women's sports have not been adequately addressed, particularly in Iran. These challenges encompass a complex interplay of scientific, educational, human resource, legal, structural, managerial, and jurisprudential factors. The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationships among these legal barriers and to propose solutions that can facilitate the advancement of women's sports within the legal framework.
Materials and Methods
The study employed a mixed exploratory research design combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal obstacles facing women's sports.
In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and systematic library research. The research population included two main groups: human resources consisting of experts in law and sports law, sports management professors, vice presidents of sports federations familiar with sports law, and information sources such as scientific articles, library materials, and relevant media content. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. This resulted in 10 expert interviews and the review of 23 documents.
The quantitative phase involved a targeted sample of 30 sports law experts, selected for their specialized knowledge in the field. The research tools included semi-structured exploratory interviews, a systematic library study, and an expert questionnaire designed to analyze causal relationships among the identified obstacles. The validity of the tools was confirmed through practical merit, legal and scientific validity, expert opinions, and consensus among reviewers.
Data analysis in the qualitative phase followed a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding—to extract themes and develop a conceptual framework. The quantitative phase utilized Dimatel’s technique, a decision-making method based on paired comparisons, to identify causal relationships, direction, and intensity of effects between factors. This method enabled experts to express their opinions more fluently regarding the influence of various obstacles.
Findings
The qualitative analysis resulted in a conceptual framework comprising five major dimensions of legal obstacles, encompassing 24 components. These dimensions are:
Scientific-Educational Dimension:This includes the lack of attention to sports law in physical education and law faculties, insufficient scientific resources related to sports law, and especially the rights of women in sports. The absence of adequate educational materials and academic focus on these issues hampers awareness and advocacy.
Human Resources Dimension: Key components here include a shortage of specialized experts in women's sports rights, low levels of legal knowledge among sports activists—particularly regarding women's rights—and insufficient familiarity among sports practitioners with the legal frameworks protecting women.
Legal and Regulatory Dimension: This dimension highlights the dispersion and ambiguity of laws, lack of comprehensive and transparent regulations, insufficiency of protective laws specifically addressing women's sports rights, and the absence of legal mechanisms to establish gender justice within sports organizations.
Structural-Managerial Dimension: Challenges include legal conflicts involving Iranian women athletes and international federations, lack of financial transparency, prevalence of corruption, brokering, and bribery, and the absence or inadequacy of disciplinary committees across various sports disciplines.
Jurisprudential-Shari'a Dimension: This encompasses restrictions on women’s attendance at stadiums due to jurisprudential rulings, limitations on broadcasting women's matches, restrictions on participation and representation in certain sports fields based on Shari'a considerations, and limited awareness or misconceptions among some jurists and authorities regarding women's sports and its benefits.
Quantitative analysis using Dimatel’s technique revealed that jurisprudential-Shari'a obstacles exert the greatest influence on women's sports legal barriers. Human resource obstacles, legal obstacles, structural-managerial obstacles, and scientific-educational obstacles follow in descending order of influence. Notably, structural-managerial obstacles are the most influential in terms of direct impact, while legal and scientific-educational obstacles serve as significant handicaps. Human and jurisprudential-Shari'a obstacles were identified as causal factors, indicating their foundational role in shaping the overall legal environment.
Discussion
The research findings underscore the multifaceted nature of legal barriers confronting women's sports in Iran. The jurisprudential-Shari'a dimension, deeply rooted in cultural and religious interpretations, presents the most significant challenge, affecting women's access to sports venues, media representation, and participation rights. This dimension is intricately linked with societal perceptions and legal interpretations that require sensitive and informed approaches to reform.
Human resource limitations, including the scarcity of experts and low legal literacy among sports practitioners, further exacerbate these challenges. Enhancing education and training in sports law, particularly focusing on women's rights, is essential to empower stakeholders and facilitate legal reforms.
The legal and regulatory framework suffers from fragmentation and lack of clarity, impeding the establishment of consistent protections for women in sports. Structural and managerial deficiencies, including corruption and lack of transparency, undermine the enforcement of existing laws and policies.
Addressing these obstacles requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates educational initiatives, legal reforms, structural improvements, and cultural engagement. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness through training programs for female coaches and athletes, developing clear and enforceable laws to protect women's sports rights, and promoting the broadcasting of women's competitions to enhance visibility and societal acceptance.
Conclusion
This study concludes that overcoming the legal barriers to women's sports in Iran necessitates a multi-dimensional approach. Prioritizing education in sports law, increasing legal literacy among stakeholders, and establishing robust legal protections are foundational steps. Furthermore, addressing jurisprudential concerns through dialogue and informed interpretation can facilitate greater inclusion of women in sports.
The promotion of women's sports rights should also incorporate international perspectives and best practices. Comparative studies on the development and institutionalization of women's sports rights in other countries, especially developed nations, can provide valuable insights and strategies adaptable to the Iranian context.
Finally, the research validated a scale for measuring legal barriers to women's sports, providing a useful tool for future studies and policy evaluation. By implementing the recommendations derived from this research, policymakers and sports organizations can foster a more equitable, transparent, and supportive environment for women athletes, contributing to the broader goals of gender equality and sustainable sports development.Background and Purpose
Women's sports in Iran face a range of legal limitations and obstacles that distinguish them from other sports sectors. These legal barriers restrict the development and participation of women in sports, reflecting broader societal challenges related to gender equity and rights. The observance of women's rights in sports is not only a national issue but also a significant concern for the global community, as gender equality and empowerment are fundamental human rights recognized internationally.
Despite the increasing attention to women's rights in various domains, the legal challenges specific to women's sports have not been adequately addressed, particularly in Iran. These challenges encompass a complex interplay of scientific, educational, human resource, legal, structural, managerial, and jurisprudential factors. The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationships among these legal barriers and to propose solutions that can facilitate the advancement of women's sports within the legal framework.
Materials and Methods
The study employed a mixed exploratory research design combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal obstacles facing women's sports.
In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and systematic library research. The research population included two main groups: human resources consisting of experts in law and sports law, sports management professors, vice presidents of sports federations familiar with sports law, and information sources such as scientific articles, library materials, and relevant media content. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. This resulted in 10 expert interviews and the review of 23 documents.
The quantitative phase involved a targeted sample of 30 sports law experts, selected for their specialized knowledge in the field. The research tools included semi-structured exploratory interviews, a systematic library study, and an expert questionnaire designed to analyze causal relationships among the identified obstacles. The validity of the tools was confirmed through practical merit, legal and scientific validity, expert opinions, and consensus among reviewers.
Data analysis in the qualitative phase followed a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding—to extract themes and develop a conceptual framework. The quantitative phase utilized Dimatel’s technique, a decision-making method based on paired comparisons, to identify causal relationships, direction, and intensity of effects between factors. This method enabled experts to express their opinions more fluently regarding the influence of various obstacles.
Findings
The qualitative analysis resulted in a conceptual framework comprising five major dimensions of legal obstacles, encompassing 24 components. These dimensions are:
Scientific-Educational Dimension:This includes the lack of attention to sports law in physical education and law faculties, insufficient scientific resources related to sports law, and especially the rights of women in sports. The absence of adequate educational materials and academic focus on these issues hampers awareness and advocacy.
Human Resources Dimension: Key components here include a shortage of specialized experts in women's sports rights, low levels of legal knowledge among sports activists—particularly regarding women's rights—and insufficient familiarity among sports practitioners with the legal frameworks protecting women.
Legal and Regulatory Dimension: This dimension highlights the dispersion and ambiguity of laws, lack of comprehensive and transparent regulations, insufficiency of protective laws specifically addressing women's sports rights, and the absence of legal mechanisms to establish gender justice within sports organizations.
Structural-Managerial Dimension: Challenges include legal conflicts involving Iranian women athletes and international federations, lack of financial transparency, prevalence of corruption, brokering, and bribery, and the absence or inadequacy of disciplinary committees across various sports disciplines.
Jurisprudential-Shari'a Dimension: This encompasses restrictions on women’s attendance at stadiums due to jurisprudential rulings, limitations on broadcasting women's matches, restrictions on participation and representation in certain sports fields based on Shari'a considerations, and limited awareness or misconceptions among some jurists and authorities regarding women's sports and its benefits.
Quantitative analysis using Dimatel’s technique revealed that jurisprudential-Shari'a obstacles exert the greatest influence on women's sports legal barriers. Human resource obstacles, legal obstacles, structural-managerial obstacles, and scientific-educational obstacles follow in descending order of influence. Notably, structural-managerial obstacles are the most influential in terms of direct impact, while legal and scientific-educational obstacles serve as significant handicaps. Human and jurisprudential-Shari'a obstacles were identified as causal factors, indicating their foundational role in shaping the overall legal environment.
Discussion
The research findings underscore the multifaceted nature of legal barriers confronting women's sports in Iran. The jurisprudential-Shari'a dimension, deeply rooted in cultural and religious interpretations, presents the most significant challenge, affecting women's access to sports venues, media representation, and participation rights. This dimension is intricately linked with societal perceptions and legal interpretations that require sensitive and informed approaches to reform.
Human resource limitations, including the scarcity of experts and low legal literacy among sports practitioners, further exacerbate these challenges. Enhancing education and training in sports law, particularly focusing on women's rights, is essential to empower stakeholders and facilitate legal reforms.
The legal and regulatory framework suffers from fragmentation and lack of clarity, impeding the establishment of consistent protections for women in sports. Structural and managerial deficiencies, including corruption and lack of transparency, undermine the enforcement of existing laws and policies.
Addressing these obstacles requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates educational initiatives, legal reforms, structural improvements, and cultural engagement. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness through training programs for female coaches and athletes, developing clear and enforceable laws to protect women's sports rights, and promoting the broadcasting of women's competitions to enhance visibility and societal acceptance.
Conclusion
This study concludes that overcoming the legal barriers to women's sports in Iran necessitates a multi-dimensional approach. Prioritizing education in sports law, increasing legal literacy among stakeholders, and establishing robust legal protections are foundational steps. Furthermore, addressing jurisprudential concerns through dialogue and informed interpretation can facilitate greater inclusion of women in sports.
The promotion of women's sports rights should also incorporate international perspectives and best practices. Comparative studies on the development and institutionalization of women's sports rights in other countries, especially developed nations, can provide valuable insights and strategies adaptable to the Iranian context.
Finally, the research validated a scale for measuring legal barriers to women's sports, providing a useful tool for future studies and policy evaluation. By implementing the recommendations derived from this research, policymakers and sports organizations can foster a more equitable, transparent, and supportive environment for women athletes, contributing to the broader goals of gender equality and sustainable sports development.https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_3985_0c2f66f43752d47fb49abeea0badf47a.pdfSport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120Land use Planning of championship sport(Emphasizing the three popular fields of football, volleyball and basketball)Land use Planning of championship sport(Emphasizing the three popular fields of football, volleyball and basketball)87102440610.22089/smrj.2024.15486.3929FABahmanTayebiAssistant Professor, Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, IranJournal Article20230913Background and Purpose In today’s highly competitive global sports environment, the development of sports-especially at the championship level-requires scientific, inclusive, continuous, and systematic planning rather than traditional or ad hoc approaches (Wolstencroft, 2002). Reviewing sports development indicators reveals significant regional disparities within countries (Sadeghi Arani & Mirghafouri, 2009). To address these imbalances, it is essential to implement balanced policies that ensure equal access to resources and facilities, effectively achieved through land use planning. Land use planning involves the rational and optimal utilization of land resources by balancing the interaction among people, space, and activities (Kazemi, 2007). This research investigates land use planning in three popular championship sports-football, volleyball, and basketball-with the goal of promoting equitable distribution of sports activities and infrastructure across geographic regions. This approach aims to improve national performance in these sports and prevent the concentration of facilities in limited areas, a persistent challenge for sports policymakers. Materials and MethodsThis applied, mixed-methods study employed a field-based approach. The qualitative phase involved identifying land use planning indicators for championship sports through theoretical review and expert interviews. Thematic saturation was achieved with elite participants knowledgeable about the subject. The final indicators for football, volleyball, and basketball were extracted. The quantitative phase aimed to weight these indicators using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and assess land use planning across provinces using data from the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s Statistics and Information Center. The numerical taxonomy method was applied to evaluate the development level of each region.FindingsQualitative analysis categorized the championship sports indicators into three components: human, space, and activity. Quantitatively, the human component accounted for 45% of the explanatory power, followed by activity (37%) and space (18%). In football, provinces such as Tehran, Khuzestan, Bushehr, Mazandaran, Isfahan, Gilan, East Azerbaijan, Kerman, Central, and Yazd were identified as developed (32.2%). Approximately 45.2% of provinces were semi-developed, and 22.6% were less developed in football. For volleyball, Mazandaran, West Azerbaijan, Golestan, Tehran, and Qazvin were developed (16.1%), with 54.9% semi-developed and 29% less developed. In basketball, Tehran, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Khorasan Razavi were developed (16.1%), 45.1% semi-developed, and 38.8% less developed. Discussion and ConclusionChampionship sports require clearly defined macro goals, strategies, and operational plans to avoid inefficiencies and resource wastage (Rasekh et al., 2014). This study provides scientific evidence to guide equitable attention and resource allocation across regions. The finding that only 21.5% of provinces are developed in popular ball sports is concerning, especially given the widespread popularity of these sports. Policymakers should prioritize investment in semi-developed and less developed provinces to elevate their status, thereby enhancing Iran’s prospects in international competitions such as the Olympics and Asian Games. Addressing these disparities through strategic land use planning will contribute significantly to national sports development and international success.Background and Purpose In today’s highly competitive global sports environment, the development of sports-especially at the championship level-requires scientific, inclusive, continuous, and systematic planning rather than traditional or ad hoc approaches (Wolstencroft, 2002). Reviewing sports development indicators reveals significant regional disparities within countries (Sadeghi Arani & Mirghafouri, 2009). To address these imbalances, it is essential to implement balanced policies that ensure equal access to resources and facilities, effectively achieved through land use planning. Land use planning involves the rational and optimal utilization of land resources by balancing the interaction among people, space, and activities (Kazemi, 2007). This research investigates land use planning in three popular championship sports-football, volleyball, and basketball-with the goal of promoting equitable distribution of sports activities and infrastructure across geographic regions. This approach aims to improve national performance in these sports and prevent the concentration of facilities in limited areas, a persistent challenge for sports policymakers. Materials and MethodsThis applied, mixed-methods study employed a field-based approach. The qualitative phase involved identifying land use planning indicators for championship sports through theoretical review and expert interviews. Thematic saturation was achieved with elite participants knowledgeable about the subject. The final indicators for football, volleyball, and basketball were extracted. The quantitative phase aimed to weight these indicators using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and assess land use planning across provinces using data from the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s Statistics and Information Center. The numerical taxonomy method was applied to evaluate the development level of each region.FindingsQualitative analysis categorized the championship sports indicators into three components: human, space, and activity. Quantitatively, the human component accounted for 45% of the explanatory power, followed by activity (37%) and space (18%). In football, provinces such as Tehran, Khuzestan, Bushehr, Mazandaran, Isfahan, Gilan, East Azerbaijan, Kerman, Central, and Yazd were identified as developed (32.2%). Approximately 45.2% of provinces were semi-developed, and 22.6% were less developed in football. For volleyball, Mazandaran, West Azerbaijan, Golestan, Tehran, and Qazvin were developed (16.1%), with 54.9% semi-developed and 29% less developed. In basketball, Tehran, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Khorasan Razavi were developed (16.1%), 45.1% semi-developed, and 38.8% less developed. Discussion and ConclusionChampionship sports require clearly defined macro goals, strategies, and operational plans to avoid inefficiencies and resource wastage (Rasekh et al., 2014). This study provides scientific evidence to guide equitable attention and resource allocation across regions. The finding that only 21.5% of provinces are developed in popular ball sports is concerning, especially given the widespread popularity of these sports. Policymakers should prioritize investment in semi-developed and less developed provinces to elevate their status, thereby enhancing Iran’s prospects in international competitions such as the Olympics and Asian Games. Addressing these disparities through strategic land use planning will contribute significantly to national sports development and international success.https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4406_ae87a54e183c075c494c4d397d126a66.pdfSport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120The Role of Win-win Conflict Management Strategy and Political Intelligence on the Perception of Selected sports Federations Employees about Organizational JusticeThe Role of Win-win Conflict Management Strategy and Political Intelligence on the Perception of Selected sports Federations Employees about Organizational Justice103118440710.22089/smrj.2024.15490.3930FAHasanIsazadehAssistant Professor of Sports Management, Islamic Azad UniversityHabibHonariAssociate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1279-427XSadeghFatahimilasiPh.D. Student in Sports Management, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran0009-0004-8648-8787ZeinabNafarM.A. in Sports Management, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20230911Background and Purpose
The success and sustainability of any organization heavily depend on the alignment of its members toward shared goals and objectives. However, conflicts among individuals within organizations can disrupt this alignment, impeding progress and reducing productivity (Devin, 2016). Effective conflict management strategies are therefore essential to maintain organizational harmony and enhance performance. Among these strategies, the win-win approach—which emphasizes collaboration and compromise—has been shown to correlate positively with human resource productivity. Individuals employing win-win conflict management styles tend to foster teamwork, achieve mutually satisfactory resolutions, and contribute to both organizational and team productivity (Kiani & Radfar, 2014).
In the context of sports federations, where teamwork and cooperation are vital, managing conflicts constructively is crucial. Additionally, political intelligence—the ability to understand and navigate organizational politics and power dynamics—plays a significant role in conflict management and organizational justice perceptions. Political intelligence enables managers to employ flexible and effective problem-solving approaches, influencing organizational dynamics positively.
Given these considerations, this study aims to investigate the role of the win-win conflict management strategy and political intelligence on employees’ perceptions of organizational justice in selected Iranian sports federations, including basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, rowing, and shooting. Organizational justice pertains to employees’ perceptions of fairness in the workplace, which significantly affects motivation, satisfaction, and performance.
Materials and Methods
This research is applied in nature, utilizing a descriptive-survey methodology for data collection. The study population comprised 130 employees from the selected sports federations. Using the Morgan table and accessible random sampling methods, a sample size of 97 participants was obtained.
Data were collected via a structured questionnaire consisting of two parts: demographic information and research variables measured on a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was adapted from standardized instruments assessing organizational justice, political intelligence, and conflict management strategies.
The validity of the questionnaire was established through expert review by sports management professors. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a high overall reliability coefficient of 0.892, indicating consistency and dependability of the instrument.
Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22 for descriptive and inferential statistics and AMOS version 22 for testing the research hypotheses and structural equation modeling.
Findings
The demographic profile of the sample indicated that 68% were male and 32% female. Age distribution showed that 41% were between 30 and 40 years old, 24% under 30, and 35% over 40. Regarding education, 54% held a master’s degree, 29% a doctorate, and 17% a bachelor’s degree. Job roles included 53% middle managers, 26% senior managers, and 21% operational managers.
The model fit indices demonstrated strong support for the conceptual framework. The normalized Chi-square value was 1.72, indicating a good fit, and the RMSEA value of 0.043 further confirmed model adequacy. Other fit indices also fell within acceptable ranges.
Analysis of the model’s components revealed that within political intelligence, the “political personality” dimension had the highest factor loading at 0.84. For organizational justice, “procedural justice” emerged as the most significant dimension with a loading of 0.63. Within the win-win conflict management strategy, the “collaboration” dimension was most prominent, with a value of 0.73.
Path coefficient analysis showed positive and statistically significant relationships between political intelligence and organizational justice (β = 0.12), political intelligence and the win-win strategy (β = 0.07), and the win-win strategy and organizational justice (β = 0.08), all significant at the 0.01 level. These results suggest that managers who possess higher political intelligence are more likely to employ collaborative conflict management strategies, which in turn enhance employees’ perceptions of fairness within the organization.
Discussion
The findings highlight the critical role of political intelligence in navigating organizational conflicts and fostering perceptions of justice among employees. Managers with high political intelligence can better understand the power structures and informal networks within organizations, enabling them to resolve conflicts effectively through win-win strategies.
The positive impact of the win-win conflict management approach on organizational justice aligns with previous studies emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and compromise in conflict resolution. Collaborative strategies ensure that all parties feel heard and valued, which enhances trust and fairness perceptions.
The prominence of procedural justice in the model underscores the importance of transparent, consistent, and fair processes in organizational decision-making. Employees’ perceptions of fairness are strongly influenced by how procedures are implemented, which affects their overall satisfaction and commitment.
Given the demographic composition of the sample, the study also suggests that educational attainment and managerial level influence the adoption of political intelligence and conflict management strategies, with middle and senior managers playing pivotal roles.
Conclusion
This research confirms that the win-win conflict management strategy and political intelligence significantly influence employees’ perceptions of organizational justice in sports federations. Managers who are politically intelligent and employ collaborative conflict management styles contribute to a fairer and more effective organizational environment.
To enhance organizational justice and performance, sports federations should invest in training programs focused on developing political intelligence and conflict resolution skills among managers and employees. Workshops and seminars can equip personnel with the tools necessary to navigate complex organizational dynamics and foster collaborative problem-solving.
Consistent with Saberi et al. (2019), the study recommends prioritizing the selection and development of managers with high political intelligence to improve conflict management and organizational outcomes. Such initiatives can ultimately lead to increased efficiency, employee satisfaction, and organizational success within sports federations.Background and Purpose
The success and sustainability of any organization heavily depend on the alignment of its members toward shared goals and objectives. However, conflicts among individuals within organizations can disrupt this alignment, impeding progress and reducing productivity (Devin, 2016). Effective conflict management strategies are therefore essential to maintain organizational harmony and enhance performance. Among these strategies, the win-win approach—which emphasizes collaboration and compromise—has been shown to correlate positively with human resource productivity. Individuals employing win-win conflict management styles tend to foster teamwork, achieve mutually satisfactory resolutions, and contribute to both organizational and team productivity (Kiani & Radfar, 2014).
In the context of sports federations, where teamwork and cooperation are vital, managing conflicts constructively is crucial. Additionally, political intelligence—the ability to understand and navigate organizational politics and power dynamics—plays a significant role in conflict management and organizational justice perceptions. Political intelligence enables managers to employ flexible and effective problem-solving approaches, influencing organizational dynamics positively.
Given these considerations, this study aims to investigate the role of the win-win conflict management strategy and political intelligence on employees’ perceptions of organizational justice in selected Iranian sports federations, including basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, rowing, and shooting. Organizational justice pertains to employees’ perceptions of fairness in the workplace, which significantly affects motivation, satisfaction, and performance.
Materials and Methods
This research is applied in nature, utilizing a descriptive-survey methodology for data collection. The study population comprised 130 employees from the selected sports federations. Using the Morgan table and accessible random sampling methods, a sample size of 97 participants was obtained.
Data were collected via a structured questionnaire consisting of two parts: demographic information and research variables measured on a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was adapted from standardized instruments assessing organizational justice, political intelligence, and conflict management strategies.
The validity of the questionnaire was established through expert review by sports management professors. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded a high overall reliability coefficient of 0.892, indicating consistency and dependability of the instrument.
Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22 for descriptive and inferential statistics and AMOS version 22 for testing the research hypotheses and structural equation modeling.
Findings
The demographic profile of the sample indicated that 68% were male and 32% female. Age distribution showed that 41% were between 30 and 40 years old, 24% under 30, and 35% over 40. Regarding education, 54% held a master’s degree, 29% a doctorate, and 17% a bachelor’s degree. Job roles included 53% middle managers, 26% senior managers, and 21% operational managers.
The model fit indices demonstrated strong support for the conceptual framework. The normalized Chi-square value was 1.72, indicating a good fit, and the RMSEA value of 0.043 further confirmed model adequacy. Other fit indices also fell within acceptable ranges.
Analysis of the model’s components revealed that within political intelligence, the “political personality” dimension had the highest factor loading at 0.84. For organizational justice, “procedural justice” emerged as the most significant dimension with a loading of 0.63. Within the win-win conflict management strategy, the “collaboration” dimension was most prominent, with a value of 0.73.
Path coefficient analysis showed positive and statistically significant relationships between political intelligence and organizational justice (β = 0.12), political intelligence and the win-win strategy (β = 0.07), and the win-win strategy and organizational justice (β = 0.08), all significant at the 0.01 level. These results suggest that managers who possess higher political intelligence are more likely to employ collaborative conflict management strategies, which in turn enhance employees’ perceptions of fairness within the organization.
Discussion
The findings highlight the critical role of political intelligence in navigating organizational conflicts and fostering perceptions of justice among employees. Managers with high political intelligence can better understand the power structures and informal networks within organizations, enabling them to resolve conflicts effectively through win-win strategies.
The positive impact of the win-win conflict management approach on organizational justice aligns with previous studies emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and compromise in conflict resolution. Collaborative strategies ensure that all parties feel heard and valued, which enhances trust and fairness perceptions.
The prominence of procedural justice in the model underscores the importance of transparent, consistent, and fair processes in organizational decision-making. Employees’ perceptions of fairness are strongly influenced by how procedures are implemented, which affects their overall satisfaction and commitment.
Given the demographic composition of the sample, the study also suggests that educational attainment and managerial level influence the adoption of political intelligence and conflict management strategies, with middle and senior managers playing pivotal roles.
Conclusion
This research confirms that the win-win conflict management strategy and political intelligence significantly influence employees’ perceptions of organizational justice in sports federations. Managers who are politically intelligent and employ collaborative conflict management styles contribute to a fairer and more effective organizational environment.
To enhance organizational justice and performance, sports federations should invest in training programs focused on developing political intelligence and conflict resolution skills among managers and employees. Workshops and seminars can equip personnel with the tools necessary to navigate complex organizational dynamics and foster collaborative problem-solving.
Consistent with Saberi et al. (2019), the study recommends prioritizing the selection and development of managers with high political intelligence to improve conflict management and organizational outcomes. Such initiatives can ultimately lead to increased efficiency, employee satisfaction, and organizational success within sports federations.https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4407_0307fec2cef6aec340b8426490977ef0.pdfSport Sciences Research InstituteSport Management Studies2538-3213168820250120Providing an Analytical Model for Sports Investment in Tehran ProvinceProviding an Analytical Model for Sports Investment in Tehran Province119144432310.22089/smrj.2024.15566.3943FAMohsenSmaeiliSport sciences research instituteMohammad HassanFerdosiAssistant Professor of Sport Management, Payam Noor university, Ahvaz, IranKoroshVeisiDepartment of physical education and sport sciences, Sanandaj branch, Islamic Azad U niversity, Sanandaj, Iran.0000-0003-4956-3835ShamseddinRezaeiAssociate Professor of Sport Management, Departmen of Physical education, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran0000-0002-9736-2379Journal Article20230909Background and PurposeThe sports industry, with its vast global reach and multifaceted nature, has increasingly become a prime platform for investment. Unlike many other sectors, sports generate revenue not merely through the sale or consumption of products but through the engagement and entertainment of spectators who willingly pay to watch sporting events (Rajabi, 2012). This unique characteristic, combined with the industrialization and commercialization of sports in various disciplines worldwide, has elevated the importance of sports investment as a critical area of economic development.Investment in sports is driven by a variety of factors, among which the expectation of profit plays a pivotal role. Financial sponsors and investors are primarily motivated by the potential returns on their investments, which can be substantial given the growing popularity and commercialization of sports (Huda, 2001). Beyond economic incentives, sports also contribute significantly to health, social cohesion, and cultural vitality, making investment in this sector socially valuable as well.In Iran, the sports industry is at a crossroads. The sector’s heavy reliance on government funding has limited the inflow of private capital and constrained growth. Given the large volume of financial transactions and the significant number of people involved in sports activities, there is an urgent need for scientific and effective management of sports investment. This necessity is especially pronounced in Tehran Province, which serves as a hub for sports activities and business in the country.This research seeks to identify and classify the areas and criteria for sports investment in Tehran Province. By providing a comprehensive framework and insights to officials at the General Directorate of Sports and Youth, the study aims to facilitate informed decision-making and attract private investors, thereby fostering sustainable growth in the sports sector. Materials and MethodsThe research is applied in nature and belongs to exploratory analytical studies. It adopts a qualitative approach to deeply understand the complex factors influencing sports investment. The statistical population includes senior managers of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Tehran Province, heads of sports and youth departments across the province’s cities, leaders of sports federations in Tehran, investors involved in sports projects—including leaseholders of sports complexes, club owners, manufacturers, and distributors of sports equipment—and sports management professors affiliated with Tehran Province.A purposive sampling method was employed to select participants for in-depth interviews. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant perspectives. In total, fourteen experts specializing in sports investment were interviewed.To ensure the reliability of the data, process auditing was conducted, which involved making all analyzed data, coding schemes, categories, research objectives, and questions available to experts for review. Additionally, intra-subject agreement was assessed by having a PhD specialist in sports management re-code three randomly selected interviews. The overall reliability agreement between coders was 84%, indicating a high level of consistency.Data analysis followed the grounded theory coding process, consisting of three stages:Open Coding: An inductive process where sentences and phrases from interviews were coded to capture a broad range of concepts and themes.Axial Coding: This stage focused on identifying relationships among categories, properties, and dimensions derived from open coding, refining the structure of the data.Selective Coding: The final stage integrated the categories into a coherent conceptual model, identifying core categories and their interconnections. ResultsThe analysis revealed that sports investment in Tehran Province can be understood through five key dimensions:Investment Assumptions: These refer to the underlying beliefs and expectations that drive investment decisions, including perceived profitability, risk tolerance, and market potential.Special Capacities: Unique features or advantages of Tehran Province, such as geographic location, infrastructure, and industrial ecosystem, that enhance its attractiveness for sports investment.Investment Areas: Specific sectors within the sports industry where investment opportunities exist, such as facility development, sports equipment manufacturing, event hosting, and sports services.Investment Criteria: The standards and requirements that guide the selection of investment projects, including financial viability, market demand, regulatory compliance, and social impact.Outcomes: The anticipated benefits and returns from sports investments, including economic growth, job creation, social development, and enhancement of sports culture.The findings suggest that the public sector’s limited capacity to provide capital necessitates creating platforms to inform and engage private investors. Enhancing investors’ understanding of the sports sector’s potential and clearly defining investment areas and criteria can attract sustained capital inflows.Moreover, the utilization of specialized human resources and the establishment of agile organizational structures tailored to current needs are critical for maximizing investment effectiveness. DiscussionTehran Province’s geographic and infrastructural advantages significantly contribute to its potential as a sports investment hub. Its strategic location offers easy access to all parts of the country, supported by robust transportation infrastructure including airports, railways, and road networks. Additionally, the presence of numerous industrial parks and diverse companies provides opportunities to leverage external capacities and foster synergistic investments.The nature of investors themselves influences investment patterns. Public sector entities may prioritize different objectives compared to private or semi-public investors, resulting in variations in investment scale and focus. Large-scale investments tend to be more common among institutional investors, while smaller, niche investments are often driven by private entrepreneurs.The multifaceted nature of sports investment requires a comprehensive approach that integrates economic, social, and managerial factors. The study underscores that investment planning is not a linear process but a dynamic interplay of various elements that must be carefully balanced.To optimize investment outcomes, the research recommends establishing a dedicated committee within Tehran’s sports authorities to provide comprehensive services and information to potential investors. This committee should leverage specialists in investment and sports management to guide investors through the complexities of the sector.A long-term perspective is essential for sustainable development. Authorities should avoid short-termism and instead focus on creating stable, predictable environments that encourage ongoing investment. Collaboration with other organizations to maximize the use of existing spaces and facilities can further enhance investment attractiveness.Additional measures include attracting capital through endowments, stabilizing economic conditions to reduce investor uncertainty, identifying and promoting natural and tourism capacities, utilizing media to raise awareness of sports investment opportunities, organizing major sports events to draw investor attention, and implementing regulatory reforms such as tax incentives and debt relief to facilitate investment.The study also highlights the need for further research, suggesting that future studies could focus on specific sectors within sports investment or employ quantitative methods to validate and expand upon the qualitative findings presented here. ConclusionThis research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and enhancing sports investment opportunities in Tehran Province. By identifying key dimensions and criteria, it offers actionable insights for policymakers, sports managers, and investors. The study emphasizes the critical role of private sector engagement, informed decision-making, and strategic planning in driving sustainable growth in the sports industry.The unique capacities of Tehran Province, combined with targeted support and facilitation, position it as a promising destination for sports investment. Implementing the recommendations outlined can stimulate economic development, create employment, and enrich the cultural fabric of the region through sports.Background and PurposeThe sports industry, with its vast global reach and multifaceted nature, has increasingly become a prime platform for investment. Unlike many other sectors, sports generate revenue not merely through the sale or consumption of products but through the engagement and entertainment of spectators who willingly pay to watch sporting events (Rajabi, 2012). This unique characteristic, combined with the industrialization and commercialization of sports in various disciplines worldwide, has elevated the importance of sports investment as a critical area of economic development.Investment in sports is driven by a variety of factors, among which the expectation of profit plays a pivotal role. Financial sponsors and investors are primarily motivated by the potential returns on their investments, which can be substantial given the growing popularity and commercialization of sports (Huda, 2001). Beyond economic incentives, sports also contribute significantly to health, social cohesion, and cultural vitality, making investment in this sector socially valuable as well.In Iran, the sports industry is at a crossroads. The sector’s heavy reliance on government funding has limited the inflow of private capital and constrained growth. Given the large volume of financial transactions and the significant number of people involved in sports activities, there is an urgent need for scientific and effective management of sports investment. This necessity is especially pronounced in Tehran Province, which serves as a hub for sports activities and business in the country.This research seeks to identify and classify the areas and criteria for sports investment in Tehran Province. By providing a comprehensive framework and insights to officials at the General Directorate of Sports and Youth, the study aims to facilitate informed decision-making and attract private investors, thereby fostering sustainable growth in the sports sector. Materials and MethodsThe research is applied in nature and belongs to exploratory analytical studies. It adopts a qualitative approach to deeply understand the complex factors influencing sports investment. The statistical population includes senior managers of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Tehran Province, heads of sports and youth departments across the province’s cities, leaders of sports federations in Tehran, investors involved in sports projects—including leaseholders of sports complexes, club owners, manufacturers, and distributors of sports equipment—and sports management professors affiliated with Tehran Province.A purposive sampling method was employed to select participants for in-depth interviews. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant perspectives. In total, fourteen experts specializing in sports investment were interviewed.To ensure the reliability of the data, process auditing was conducted, which involved making all analyzed data, coding schemes, categories, research objectives, and questions available to experts for review. Additionally, intra-subject agreement was assessed by having a PhD specialist in sports management re-code three randomly selected interviews. The overall reliability agreement between coders was 84%, indicating a high level of consistency.Data analysis followed the grounded theory coding process, consisting of three stages:Open Coding: An inductive process where sentences and phrases from interviews were coded to capture a broad range of concepts and themes.Axial Coding: This stage focused on identifying relationships among categories, properties, and dimensions derived from open coding, refining the structure of the data.Selective Coding: The final stage integrated the categories into a coherent conceptual model, identifying core categories and their interconnections. ResultsThe analysis revealed that sports investment in Tehran Province can be understood through five key dimensions:Investment Assumptions: These refer to the underlying beliefs and expectations that drive investment decisions, including perceived profitability, risk tolerance, and market potential.Special Capacities: Unique features or advantages of Tehran Province, such as geographic location, infrastructure, and industrial ecosystem, that enhance its attractiveness for sports investment.Investment Areas: Specific sectors within the sports industry where investment opportunities exist, such as facility development, sports equipment manufacturing, event hosting, and sports services.Investment Criteria: The standards and requirements that guide the selection of investment projects, including financial viability, market demand, regulatory compliance, and social impact.Outcomes: The anticipated benefits and returns from sports investments, including economic growth, job creation, social development, and enhancement of sports culture.The findings suggest that the public sector’s limited capacity to provide capital necessitates creating platforms to inform and engage private investors. Enhancing investors’ understanding of the sports sector’s potential and clearly defining investment areas and criteria can attract sustained capital inflows.Moreover, the utilization of specialized human resources and the establishment of agile organizational structures tailored to current needs are critical for maximizing investment effectiveness. DiscussionTehran Province’s geographic and infrastructural advantages significantly contribute to its potential as a sports investment hub. Its strategic location offers easy access to all parts of the country, supported by robust transportation infrastructure including airports, railways, and road networks. Additionally, the presence of numerous industrial parks and diverse companies provides opportunities to leverage external capacities and foster synergistic investments.The nature of investors themselves influences investment patterns. Public sector entities may prioritize different objectives compared to private or semi-public investors, resulting in variations in investment scale and focus. Large-scale investments tend to be more common among institutional investors, while smaller, niche investments are often driven by private entrepreneurs.The multifaceted nature of sports investment requires a comprehensive approach that integrates economic, social, and managerial factors. The study underscores that investment planning is not a linear process but a dynamic interplay of various elements that must be carefully balanced.To optimize investment outcomes, the research recommends establishing a dedicated committee within Tehran’s sports authorities to provide comprehensive services and information to potential investors. This committee should leverage specialists in investment and sports management to guide investors through the complexities of the sector.A long-term perspective is essential for sustainable development. Authorities should avoid short-termism and instead focus on creating stable, predictable environments that encourage ongoing investment. Collaboration with other organizations to maximize the use of existing spaces and facilities can further enhance investment attractiveness.Additional measures include attracting capital through endowments, stabilizing economic conditions to reduce investor uncertainty, identifying and promoting natural and tourism capacities, utilizing media to raise awareness of sports investment opportunities, organizing major sports events to draw investor attention, and implementing regulatory reforms such as tax incentives and debt relief to facilitate investment.The study also highlights the need for further research, suggesting that future studies could focus on specific sectors within sports investment or employ quantitative methods to validate and expand upon the qualitative findings presented here. ConclusionThis research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and enhancing sports investment opportunities in Tehran Province. By identifying key dimensions and criteria, it offers actionable insights for policymakers, sports managers, and investors. The study emphasizes the critical role of private sector engagement, informed decision-making, and strategic planning in driving sustainable growth in the sports industry.The unique capacities of Tehran Province, combined with targeted support and facilitation, position it as a promising destination for sports investment. Implementing the recommendations outlined can stimulate economic development, create employment, and enrich the cultural fabric of the region through sports.https://smrj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4323_b5b1d9ada94bb80609d21eecf7a2ce7a.pdf