Examining sport board leadership: how chairs manage passion

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question Passion is a key feature of the sport industry that can manifest positively or negatively amongst sport directors. There has been limited research on how passion can be managed on boards. The purpose of this study was to examine the skills, abilities, and strategies used by Chairs to manage passion within sport boards. Research methods This paper reports findings based on interviews with Chairs of 19 Australian sport organisations. Findings Chairs deployed strategies to manage passion within the board such as managing the agenda, informal discussions, and using consensus-based decision-making approaches. Passion management strategies are contingent on the skills and abilities of Chairs, the prevalence of collective board leadership, and the professionalisation of the board. Implications This research expands the understanding of passion in sport through the development of a framework that illuminates how Chairs manage passion through a range of skills, abilities, and strategies and thus enhances knowledge of sport governance, emotion management, and leadership.