Examining the Role of Shared Leadership in Sport for Development and Peace Programs: A Leader Perspective

Abstract

A myriad of studies have focused on the impact of traditional leadership behaviors in sport for development and peace (SDP), with only a handful examining the impacts of shared leadership in this area. Within SDP, there is often a strong reliance on volunteers and trained staff who are in the field implementing programming, so formal leaders are not always present on the ground. As a result, the concept of shared leadership is highly appropriate and likely widely used. Yet there exists a lack of evidence on its impacts on SDP organizations and the leaders themselves. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of shared leadership on masters (leaders) within the World Taekwondo Peace Corps (TPC). Notable findings from this qualitative study showed that shared leadership fosters enhanced organizational effectiveness, enhanced knowledge sharing and innovation, ethical climate-building amongst stakeholders, and the development of satisfaction through meaningful experiences. These findings indicate that shared leadership results in several outcomes for both the organization and the leader him or herself.