Designing a Model of the Causal Relationship Between Innovation and the Performance of Sport Clubs’ Managers with the Mediating Role of Strategic Control

The role of managers in innovation and moving towards an innovative organization is very vital and can lead to improved performance. Strategic control can also become more effective and influential by creating creativity, innovation and imagination. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of mediation in strategic control in relation to innovation and performance of sport clubs’ managers in Ilam province. The research method is quantitative- correlation and in terms of aim was applicable. Statistic population consisted of 563(410 male, 153 female) which 400 people were selected as sample population by stratified sampling. In order to collect data, three questionnaires were used: Performance Questionnaire of Hersi and Goldsmith (2003), Harrison Strategic Control (2010) and a researcher-made innovation questionnaire. The reliability of the research instruments using Cranach’s alpha method for managers' innovation questionnaire was 0/92, strategic control questionnaire was 0/88 and the performance questionnaire was 0/85. Validity of the questionnaire was carried out through exploratory and confirmatory analysis. For data analysis, factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used. All tests were performed using SPSS and Smart Pls software. The research findings showed that strategic control in terms of innovation and performance of sports club managers plays a mediation. Accordingly, sports club managers should pay special attention to the strategic variables of the organization, such as strategic control, to improve the performance of the club.