Authors
1 Department of Sport Management, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Associate Professor of Department of Sport Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Objective: Professional sports, as a pivotal field for promoting the economy, culture, and communication of the Iranian sports sector, face challenges such as human and cultural discrimination. These challenges affect not only the stadium environment and team management but also players and fans. The purpose of this study is to develop scenarios for addressing apartheid management styles in Iranian professional sports clubs, focusing on human and cultural discrimination.
Methodology: The present study employed a qualitative approach, combining data-based theory with the Charms constructivist framework. In this study, a multi-faceted scenario planning approach was employed to develop future scenarios for addressing the apartheid management style in Iranian professional sports clubs, utilizing stakeholders' perspectives on critical trends and uncertainties to create action-oriented strategies. The participants of the present analytical and exploratory research included 23 domestic and foreign stakeholders of Iranian professional sports who were selected based on purposive sampling. Data collection was done by interview and an open questionnaire. Data analysis was done with Leipzig and Rolandberger’s six-step scenario-writing model.
Results: After implementing the six-step scenario-writing process, the output of the 360-degree stakeholder feedback tool included 29 main factors that could potentially influence the future of confronting the apartheid management style in Iranian professional sports clubs. Two key uncertainties were identified: "the impact of government policies and legal regulations on sports management" and "the impact of sanctions and financial needs on sports management." Four scenarios were presented. Finally, the strategy of "Sports cohesion: achieving justice and financial sustainability" was presented as the primary strategy of this research.
Conclusion: Cohesion helps strengthen trust between members of the sports community, creates a sense of fairness and justice in access to sports opportunities, and increases the financial sustainability and better performance of clubs.
Keywords
Main Subjects
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