Performance Leadership and Management in Elite Sport: A Black and White Issue or Different Shades of Grey?

Rachel Arnold, David Fletcher, Jennifer Hobson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

In this study, we interviewed Olympic athletes about their perceptions of their leaders and managers, with a particular focus on perceptions of negatively-valenced and socially undesirable characteristics and their effects. The results highlight five main dark characteristics: self-focused, haughty self-belief, inauthentic, manipulative, and success obsessed. The findings also indicate negative effects of such characteristics (viz. performance and career threats, affected confidence, pressure and anxiety, and a lack of support) and positive effects of such characteristics (viz. motivation, resilience and coping skills, opportunities, and learning and awareness). Hence, it appears that not only are leaders and managers’ personalities “different shades of grey” (Arnold & Fletcher, 2012, p. 26) but also the effects they have are too. The findings are discussed in relation to previous pertinent research, and with regard to their implications for policy development and future research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)452-463
JournalJournal of Sport Management
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2018

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