A Political Perspective of Leadership: Examining the Political Skill of Sport Managers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the political skill of sport managers to assess its influence, along with P-O fit, on sport employees’ job engagement and organizational identification. The study’s sample consisted of American collegiate sport employees (N = 312) and findings revealed a positive influence of leaders’ political skill on employees’ job engagement and organizational identification when mediated by P-O fit. Two advancements are brought forth: (a) the value of political skill within the sport workplace and (b) the significance of P-O fit in supporting positive behaviors amongst sport employees. Additionally, sport leaders who employ politically skilled behaviors and enable P-O fit are likely to stimulate a competitive advantage for their sport organization. This study marks an early application of the political skill paradigm to the managerial element of sport and illustrates that sport managers who utilize political skill are able to cultivate positive employee-based outcomes.

Keywords:

• Organizational behavior
• sport employees
• job engagement
• P-O fit
• organizational performance

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest has to be reported.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Logan Schuetz

Logan Schuetz (Ph.D., University of Northern Colorado), Assistant Professor, International Sport Management, Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dr. Schuetz’s research centers on employee growth, organizational performance, and employer-employee relations in the sport industry.

Marcella G. Otto

Marcella G. Otto (Ph.D., Louisiana State University), Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University. Dr. Otto’s research focuses on human resource engagement as it relates to the individual as well as sport organizations addressing practical applications from a managerial standpoint.

Brent D. Oja

Brent D. Oja (Ph.D., University of Kansas), Assistant Professor, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University. Dr. Oja’s research agenda is focused on developing mechanisms to enhance sport employee professional growth and development.