Leadership and Non-Profit Sports Organizations: Comprehensive Review of Literature

Abstract

Given the growing demands and needs in the sport industry, the necessity for alternative leadership styles is evident. Scholars are constantly striving to establish theories that explain how a leader’s character and skills are shaped and how they can be acknowledged as ideal for the successful functioning of an organization. In this case, the literature of leadership in non-profit sports organizations is insufficient. It is considered a multifaceted topic and due to this it cannot be easily explained or evaluated as it is intertwined with so many other variables. This is an attempt to approach the concept of leadership and to identify the characteristics that make a non-profit sports organization to stand out. The descriptive context of leadership and non-profit sports organizations will be presented as well as its constituents. Regarding the phenomenon of leadership, there will be adduced the different theories, predominant behaviors, contemporary leadership styles and the role of the leader within an organization. On this basis, the capability and qualities which are required in order to accomplish the respective projects will also be indicated. The purpose of this study is to present, examine and analyze leadership in non-profit organizations in the context of sport and thereby to promote these phenomena alongside with drawing the appropriate conclusions. It could be characterized as an opportunity to discern and delve into the different dimensions of sport management, especially between the different kind of sport organizations focusing on the non-profit one. The definition of non-profit organizations will be given as well as their structure within the sports system, the expenses, the sources of income and the challenges they constantly face. Enlightening qualitative theoretical research, in a comprehensive review of literature, that deepen into the framework of leadership and non-profit organizations as their combined approach unfolds.