Classical Model of Strategic Behavior of Iranian Sports Managers

The design of the strategic behavior model of sports managers is exploratory in nature and in need of being provided with a schematic model. Using a classic approach with grounded theory, data analysis was done in four overlapping processes of initial coding, focused coding, axial coding, and theoretical coding. Data collection and analysis was done consciously and simultaneously. Participants included 20 professors of physical education, educational sciences, psychology and political science, senior managers of physical education departments of universities and managers and experts of the sport and all people with experience in sports management who were purposefully selected. The average duration of interviews varied between 15 and 30 minutes. The findings of this study showed that the components of behavior including political, supportive, ethical, investment, entrepreneurial, innovative, mentoring, conservative and opportunistic behavior can be a suitable behavioral model for Iranian sports managers. Knowledge, strategic thinking and skills of managers complement this behavioral pattern. The findings also showed that in this pattern of behavior, which was ideal for participating managers, items such as organizational barriers and problems, managers' styles and individual differences are among the confounding factors in this model. In general, the results showed that Iranian sports managers can be inspired by the presented model to help their popularity, growth and excellence of the organization, increase profits, gain opportunities, support employees, appropriate distribution of resources and overcome the daily problems of the organization.