Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
First Advisor
Anthony Caito, PhD
Abstract
The leadership style of organizational leaders is a key factor affecting volunteer coach recruitment and retention; yet the examination of developmental pathways from player to coach is lacking in the literature, especially as viewed from the perspective of those who are followers. The study addressed the following research question: How do volunteer coaches in an American football organization in Germany, who once played for the same head coach in the organization they currently coach, describe their pathway of development from player to coach? The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to inductively investigate the developmental pathways of volunteer sport coaches from a sampling of volunteer coaches who were once players under the same head coach in an American football organization in Germany, and who now serve as coaches in that same organization. Data was collected through open-ended, on-site interviews, archival data, and on-site observations, and analyzed by employing explaining outcome process tracing. Results demonstrate that leadership development, intended for the continued growth of active coaches may best take place in the context of formal preparation, such as coaching clinics, educational degree programs, and coaching certifications. However, the most advantageous preparation for leader development, which focuses on the developmental pathway from player to coach, may come through the informal preparation of transformational leaders.
Recommended Citation
Cramer, Gary, "Developmental Pathways from Player to Coach for Volunteers in an American Football Organization in Germany" (2024). Dissertations. 42.
https://digitalcommons.andersonuniversity.edu/dissertations/42