Contemporary Leadership in Sport Organizations

Research on leadership—both within and outside of sport settings—combines with practical skills to provide an effective approach to leadership in the sport industry. Learn foundational concepts and modern theory to prepare for a successful career in sport organizations of all levels and types.

In a quickly growing and evolving society, organizations at all levels face ongoing challenges and complexities that require specific leadership skills. Contemporary Leadership in Sport Organizations, Second Edition With HKPropel Access, brings together research on leadership-both within and outside of sport settings-to provide comprehensive knowledge of skills and practices relevant to the sport industry. With sport-specific examples, students will learn an effective approach to leadership thought, strategy, and action to apply in recreational, interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional sport organizations as well as the rapidly growing esports industry.

Students will first learn the historical and foundational concepts of leadership, defining what effective leadership is and the primary outcomes of good leadership. Contemporary thought and leadership approaches for present-day challenges are then presented, bringing concepts to life within the unique contexts of sport organizations of all levels and types. Modern leadership concepts that are explored include emotional intelligence and its role in developing authentic leadership, data-informed decision making and problem solving, behaviors and actions that are most effective in crisis situations, and the leadership-as-practice movement.

Updates in this edition include the following:

• Expanded content on leadership for achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport organizations, including new content on LGBTQ+ research in sport
• Content on global leadership in sport, including the emergence of esports and sport as a tool for social change
• Discussion of ethical decision making and the challenges and responsibilities for leaders in the development of the values and culture of an organization

New student learning activities, delivered through HKPropel, are designed to engage students in a learning experience that turns the principles learned into practical leadership skills. Case studies (some of which include video examples) expand on chapter content and present real-world examples of sport leadership across a broad range of roles. These contain open-ended discussion questions that encourage students to think critically about the cases and about their own future careers. Activities encourage students to put research into practice, while interactive branching scenarios immerse students in the decision-making process, applying strategies presented in the book to navigate through each simulation to discover the most optimal outcome.

Modern sport organizations at all levels are evolving into increasingly complex and diverse entities that require adaptable and effective leaders. Contemporary Leadership in Sport Organizations provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to inspire students to become successful leaders in the sport industry.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all new print books.