An Exploratory Study of Leadership Competencies Needed in Sports Management Undergraduate Programs

Colleges and universities are under increasing pressure from policymakers,
business leaders, and the public at large to offer quality programs that prepare students
for the workforce. Business leaders have expressed concerns that graduates lack
necessary competencies to succeed in the workplace, including highly sought-after
leadership competencies. Sport management is a growing academic field that could
benefit from identification of the specific leadership competencies graduates need for
careers in collegiate recreation and collegiate athletics. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore leadership competencies that are needed in sport management programs from the perspectives of collegiate recreation and collegiate athletic directors serving in leadership capacities within two national organizations. The researcher believed this exploratory study could serve as a foundation for future studies focused on sport management program competencies and curriculum design. The data were collected using interviews and analyzed using qualitative methods. Results of the study indicated further research in the area of sport management leadership competencies is necessary, along with research in areas of the identified skill deficits that exist. Future research could assist in sport management curriculum design.