LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS OF TEAM MANAGERS: INSIGHTS FROM IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES IN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE SETTINGS

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the implementation leadership behaviors of team managers, focusing on their influence on evidence-based strategies in sports performance settings. It constructs a leadership behavior profile and analyzes how these behaviors impact the capabilities of athletic teams in adopting evidence-based practices. Background: Effective leadership is vital for enhancing team performance and safety in sports. As evidence-based strategies gain prominence, the role of team managers in promoting and implementing these practices has become critical. However, specific analyses of managers' leadership behaviors in athletic environments are scarce. Methods: Using grounded theory and individual interviews, data were collected after ethical approval from sports performance organizations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 team managers across multiple elite sports academies in Shanghai, China. The data were analyzed and coded using NVivo 12 software to develop a comprehensive model. Results: A leadership behavior profile model for team managers was established, encompassing six key dimensions: decision-making ability, professional expertise, team dynamics, knowledge integration, emotional intelligence, and intrinsic motivation. Each dimension was further subdivided into secondary attributes, creating a robust framework for evaluating leadership behaviors. Conclusion: Team managers' implementation leadership behaviors significantly enhance the adoption of evidence-based practices in sports performance settings. The developed profile model provides valuable theoretical and practical insights for improving team management and advancing evidence-based approaches in athletics. Future research should examine the adaptability of these behaviors across diverse sports environments to optimize team performance and well-being.