https://www.smdsj.ir/ Management and Diplomacy Studies in Sports en daily 1 Mon, 23 Aug 2027 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 23 Aug 2027 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.smdsj.ir/article_238626.html Sports diplomacy has become one of the key instruments of soft power for countries in international relations in recent decades; however, the role of global good governance in strengthening or weakening the effectiveness of this tool has received limited theoretical and empirical scrutiny. The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of global good governance on the functioning of sports diplomacy within the framework of soft power. This research adopted a qualitative approach with a comparative case study design, analyzing two major events—the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—based on Joseph Nye’s theoretical framework of soft power. Data were collected from official documents of international institutions, monitoring reports, and credible academic sources, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that sports diplomacy in both events performed relatively successfully in the dimension of “cultural and symbolic attractiveness” of soft power; however, weaknesses in aspects of good governance—particularly transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights—undermined the sustainability and international credibility of these achievements. The comparative results between China and Russia indicate that soft power generated through sports diplomacy, in the absence of good governance, tends to have a short-term and predominantly domestic function rather than leading to lasting influence in the international system. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_246701.html The present study aimed to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) application in the decision-making processes of sports managers on enhancing the soft power and national image of the Islamic Republic of Iran within the context of international sports diplomacy. This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population consisted of 300 managers, deputy managers, and senior experts from international sports federations, members of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees, and international relations experts from the Ministry of Sport and Youth. Based on the Morgan table, a sample of 174 participants was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Artificial Intelligence Application Questionnaire developed by Kipper et al. (2023) and the Soft Power and National Image Questionnaire developed by Doosti et al. (2023). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression in SPSS version 26. The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between AI application and the enhancement of soft power (r = 0.614, p < 0.01) as well as the improvement of national image (r = 0.573, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further indicated that the independent variable explained 37.7% of the variance in soft power and 32.8% of the variance in national image. Accordingly, the systematic adoption of AI in sports management can enhance the country's sports diplomacy capacities and reinforce the international standing of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the global sports arena https://www.smdsj.ir/article_252758.html The purpose of this study was to explain the views of experts on the mechanisms of sports diplomacy in reducing political tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the countries bordering the Persian Gulf after the 40-day war. The statistical population of the study was all political and sports managers at the highest level in the country, individuals with academic education (faculty members), individuals with valuable experiences and knowledge of reputable books and articles in the field of sports diplomacy, and experts who were selected using two methods of purposeful sampling and snowball sampling. The interviews were conducted with 12 people until theoretical saturation was reached. The results showed that paying attention to cultural commonalities, paying attention to the inherent capacity of sports, reducing the necessity of political tensions, confronting the enemy's bad propaganda, and increasing the international status of our country (causal conditions); Cultural, institutional, regional, legal and policy-making context (contextual conditions); managers' attitudes and thinking, structural limitations, weak human resources, geopolitical and international developments (intervening conditions); sports-oriented, event-oriented, cultural, sports and economic diplomacy strategies; (strategies); and political, economic, sports and social consequences were among the consequences of reducing political tension from the perspective of managers and experts. Considering the results obtained, it seems necessary to prepare a strategic document with the participation of major institutions such as the Supreme National Security Council, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Olympic Committee, the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation, etc., https://www.smdsj.ir/article_246663.html In recent decades, sports have evolved from a purely recreational and competitive domain into a strategic tool of foreign policy and national soft power. However, the influx of massive state and sovereign investments into the global sports industry has fundamentally challenged the traditional concept of soft power. This study aims to analyze the paradigm shift in sports-related soft power and examine how international investments in major sporting events and clubs have become instruments of geopolitical influence. Employing a mixed-methods approach (library research and case study analysis), the study first revisits the theoretical foundations of soft power and sports diplomacy. It then elucidates a new pattern of “sports commercial diplomacy” through an analysis of three primary case studies (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China) as well as the experiences of smaller nations like Rwanda. The findings indicate that contemporary sports soft power has adopted a “harder” and more “commercial” character. Nations are leveraging large-scale investments in the global sports value chain to gain geopolitical influence, redefine national identity, and alter international narratives. Finally, while critiquing the phenomenon of “sportswashing,” the study explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Islamic Republic of Iran in this arena and proposes strategies for leveraging sports commercial diplomacy. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_240515.html Introduction: Productivity indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization in achieving its goals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organizational productivity of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Khuzestan Province with an emphasis on customer-related components.Introduction: Productivity indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization in achieving its goals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organizational productivity of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Khuzestan Province with an emphasis on customer-related components.Introduction: Productivity indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization in achieving its goals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organizational productivity of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Khuzestan Province with an emphasis on customer-related components.Introduction: Productivity indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization in achieving its goals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organizational productivity of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Khuzestan Province with an emphasis on customer-related components. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_240636.html The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational identity and organizational effectiveness through perceived organizational support in employees of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Bushehr Province. The present study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and correlational in terms of method. The statistical population of this study was 110 employees of the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Bushehr Province in 2024. Morgan's table was used to determine the sample size. Of which 86 people cooperated with the researcher as a statistical sample size and through simple random sampling. In this study, Parsons' Organizational Effectiveness Questionnaire (2006), Cheney's Organizational Identity Questionnaire (1983) and Vatankhah et al.'s Perceived Organizational Support Questionnaire (2017) were used to collect information. To determine the face validity of the questionnaires, 15 sports management professors were interviewed and finally, their validity was confirmed. To confirm the reliability, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient used was 0.80 for organizational effectiveness, 0.81 for perceived organizational support, and 0.75 for organizational identity, respectively, which indicated acceptable reliability for these questionnaires. Correlation, regression, and structural equation methods based on SPSS27 and PLS3 software were used to analyze the data. The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between organizational identity and organizational effectiveness through perceived organizational support in employees. Therefore, it is better to pay more attention to the variables of organizational identity and perceived organizational support in the target community in order to improve organizational effectiveness.. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_242843.html The aim of the present study was to design and validation of the organizational DNA model in the Iranian Aquatic Sports Federation with mixed approach. This research is applied in terms of purpose and exploratory in nature, as it seeks to discover and formulate a conceptual model. A mixed qualitative–quantitative approach was adopted. In the qualitative phase, Glaser’s grounded theory methodology was employed. The statistical population in the qualitative phase consisted of experts and specialists in the field of aquatic sports until theoretical saturation was achieved (20 participants), while the quantitative phase included managers, athletes, and coaches actively involved in aquatic sports (384 participants). Data collection tools comprised library-based studies, semi-structured interviews, and a questionnaire. Qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory procedures, whereas quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS andPLS software. Based on the qualitative findings from the experts’ perspectives, managerial activities and performance, information and knowledge management within the federation, the application of motivational practices, communication networks, organizational culture, and human resource management were identified as influential factors shaping the organizational DNA of the Aquatic Sports Federation. Furthermore, the results indicated that the model fit indices and path coefficients were within acceptable ranges (SRMR=0/048, NFI=0/912). Therefore, adopting the organizational DNA approach and its model enables the identification of organizational components and key governing dimensions, aswellas the challenges, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth and development within the federation. Ultimately, this understanding can assist federation managers and officials in implementing and managing improvement, development, and transformation programs more effectively. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_246270.html This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and mental resilience among older adults under crisis conditions. Older adults are considered one of the most vulnerable population groups in crisis situations and often face greater physical limitations and psychological pressures. Therefore, identifying factors associated with enhancing their resilience is of particular importance.This cross-sectional study was conducted using a correlational approach. The study population consisted of adults aged 60 years and older who had experienced exposure to crisis conditions during the study period, including social tensions and perceived threats related to war-like situations in their living environment. A total of 200 older adults were recruited through convenience sampling. Physical fitness was assessed using the standardized Senior Fitness Test battery, and mental resilience was measured using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between physical fitness and mental resilience among older adults (p < 0.001). In addition, several components of physical fitness—particularly cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength of the limbs, and balance—were associated with higher levels of mental resilience and contributed more strongly to its prediction.The results suggest that higher levels of physical fitness are associated with greater mental resilience among older adults in crisis situations. These findings highlight the potential importance of maintaining physical fitness and functional capacity as factors related to psychological adaptation in stressful environments. However, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships between these variables. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_234148.html Today, in the field of sports, management requires the integration of 'management' and 'leadership' for principled decision-making to effectively respond to rapidly evolving challenges and successfully fulfill its duties. This research was conducted using a systematic literature review method, which enables a comprehensive examination of existing studies. The search process utilized main keywords and their logical combination with terms related to the research topic from reputable international databases (Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect) and Persian databases (Noormags, SID) within the timeframe of 2000 to 2024. Ultimately, 10 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were selected, and the content was analyzed through thematic analysis focusing on four key themes: "leadership in sports," "management in sports," "sports advancement," and "sports development." Data analysis led to the extraction of three main themes: 1) Transformational leadership-strategic management model at the macro level, 2) Servant leadership-human resource management model at the middle level, and 3) Contingent leadership-performance management model at the micro level. The findings revealed that the intelligent combination of these styles, based on the level and mission of the sports organization, leads to sustainable development in championship, public, and economic dimensions. Consequently, it appears that sports managers in sports organizations, if able to properly integrate these two pillars, will be capable of demonstrating optimal performance when facing various challenges and achieving the highest level of success. https://www.smdsj.ir/article_247712.html This study aimed to develop a strategic plan for attracting and retaining sport tourists in the Maku Free Trade-Industrial Zone using a combined SWOT and QSPM model. This research is pragmatist, descriptive-survey, exploratory, and applied. The method was mixed (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, the population included experts from the Cultural Heritage Organization, the Department of Sports and Youth, faculty members, and tourism specialists of the Maku Free Zone; in the quantitative phase, sport tourism experts were also added. Sampling was purposeful. Data were collected through library and field methods (semi-structured interviews and questionnaires). Qualitative data analysis was performed using MAXQDA 2022. Content validity was confirmed using CVR and CVI, and quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS. Internal and external matrices were developed, and IFE and EFE weighted scores were calculated to determine the strategic position. Qualitative findings identified 15 vision indicators, 12 mission indicators, 20 weaknesses, 27 strengths, 30 opportunities, and 18 threats. Results showed the strategic position lies in the defensive (WT) zone; therefore, seven defensive strategies were prioritized using the QSPM matrix. These strategies include developing transportation routes and eco-lodges, focusing on specialized human resources, developing infrastructure and equipment, developing communication systems on social and official networks, increasing private sector incentives and eliminating discriminations, allocating financial resources, and raising awareness among local communities and tourists regarding hosting culture and environmental conservation. A joint supervisory working group including all stakeholders is suggested for continuous monitoring of strategy implementation.