Sports Management Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills: Focus Groups and Women Sports Managers’ Perceptions

Flavia Guidotti (), Sabrina Demarie, Simone Ciaccioni and Laura Capranica
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Flavia Guidotti: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Sabrina Demarie: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Simone Ciaccioni: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Laura Capranica: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-25

Abstract: The purpose of the present mixed-methods study was two-fold: (i) to test the validity of a Sports Management knowledge, competencies, and skills framework developed during the New Miracle project to implement a tailored training program for sports managers; and (ii) to explore the managers’ perceived relevance, possess and need for training of knowledge, competencies, and skills. International focus groups with sports managers from four European countries have been organized to test the framework’s validity through a clustering and a sorting stage, including consensus agreement (Likert scale 1–6 pt.) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) assessment. Then, sports managers’ perceived relevance, possession, and need for training of knowledge competencies and skills items was assessed through an online rating (Likert scale 1–6 pt; p ≤ 0.05). Findings showed good validity, internal consistency, and a high consensus agreement in relation to the proposed competency framework and the crucial role of soft skills in the sports management profession. Furthermore, participants highlighted transversal and specific items in relation to Entry, Middle, and Senior managerial positions. A perceived lack of possess of several items emerged, especially belonging to the technical and knowledge spheres, leading to the practical implications regarding the need to design sound educational programs based on attendees’ specific career stages, educational backgrounds, and training needs.

Keywords: sports managers; focus groups; relevant knowledge; competencies; skills; need for training (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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