Sports Coaching as a Novel Approach to Organizational Human Resource Development

The present study aimed to examine the role of sports coaching as a novel approach to organizational human resource development. Given the complexity and dynamism of contemporary organizational environments, the adoption of approaches capable of simultaneously enhancing individual, team, and organizational dimensions has become essential. In this regard, sports coaching—emphasizing continuous feedback, progressive goal setting, intrinsic motivation, and the development of self-efficacy—was investigated as a transformational model in human capital management. The study employed a descriptive–analytical and applied research design conducted through a survey method. The statistical population consisted of managers, human resource specialists, and coaches working in sport- and education-related organizations. A sample of ۲۱۴ participants was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Content validity was confirmed by expert review, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above ۰.۸۰. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, independent t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).The findings indicated that sports coaching has a positive and significant relationship with organizational human resource development and emerged as the strongest predictor of this variable. The regression model explained ۶۲% of the variance in human resource development. Furthermore, significant positive relationships were found between sports coaching and job self-efficacy, organizational citizenship behavior, and organizational innovation. Qualitative findings also revealed that coaching contributes to establishing a feedback-oriented culture, strengthening team spirit, enhancing resilience, and facilitating organizational transformation. Overall, the results suggest that sports coaching can serve as a strategic and culturally adaptable approach to developing human capital in Iranian organizations and can contribute to improved performance and sustainable competitive advantage.

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Keywords: Sports Coaching ، Human Resource Development ، Job Self-Efficacy ، Organizational Citizenship Behavior ، Organizational Innovation ، Organizational Transformation.