Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD in Sport Management, Head of the Education, Research, and Assessment Center for Physical Education and Sports Sciences, AJA, Tehran, Iran.
2 Ph.D. student in Sport Management, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
This study was conducted with the aim of identifying and developing a comprehensive model of managerial competencies to promote sports diplomacy in the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran (AJA). The research method is qualitative, implemented using a thematic analysis strategy and an inductive approach. Data were collected through library studies and conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 experts in the fields of management, sports, and diplomacy, who were selected using the snowball sampling method. Data analysis was performed based on Braun and Clarke's six-stage framework. The research findings led to the extraction of 416 initial codes, 40 sub-themes, and 12 main categories; meanwhile, "strategic-diplomatic" and "cultural-communicative" competencies were explained as the core nucleus and main drivers of the model. The results showed that to transition from a traditional "event-oriented" approach to a "strategic" approach, managerial competencies must be developed in three hierarchical levels: senior (policy-making), middle (linking pin), and operational (execution). Among the practical achievements of this research is providing an operational roadmap for the appointment system, performance evaluation, and modular course design for AJA sports managers, which acts as an executive arm of soft power. Although focusing on the rigid and specific context of military organizations introduces limitations in generalizability, it is suggested that a comprehensive sports diplomacy competency charter for the armed forces be formulated based on this model. Ultimately, the implementation of this model will lead to strengthening the international credibility of the army, confidence-building, and strategic resilience in global arenas such as CISM.
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