Designing a Talent Management Model for Identifying Competent Managers in Sports Organizations

The purpose of this study was to design a talent management model for the merit-based selection of managers in sports organizations.

The research work employed a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using the Glazer's (1992) method. The study participants were 15 professors from the sports management faculty with managerial experience in sports organizations. The sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved.

The results of the study showed that after a step-by-step coding process, 134 final codes were obtained, which were grouped into 12 sub-categories and 2 main categories: competencies of sports managers and talent management process of sports managers. The findings revealed that by taking into account the competencies of sports managers (managerial, specialized, political, functional, professional, ethical, and communication skills) and the talent management process of sports managers (organizational platforms, prerequisites, talent identification and attraction, education and training, and retention and maintenance), a talent management model for the merit-based selection of managers in sports organizations can be developed.

The research findings indicate that the talent management system enables the organization to effectively recruit and attract sports managers with strong managerial skills. These results can contribute to improving the meritocracy of sports management and enhancing their overall performance.