A new systematic review looked at how strategic leadership works in sports organizations around the world. Researchers analyzed 38 studies from international sports competitions. They wanted to understand what makes leadership effective in different settings.
The review found that strategic leadership is not the same everywhere. It depends on three key factors: how the organization is governed, the local culture, and how performance is measured. These three parts work together. Since 2010, more research has focused on this topic.
Because the studies relied on self-reports and were done at one point in time, the findings cannot prove cause and effect. The researchers say more long-term studies with objective measures are needed.
For now, this review offers a framework for future research. It may help sports organizations think about how to improve leadership training, but it does not provide specific advice for any one team or league.
