Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to design a governance framework for generative artificial intelligence in the Volleyball Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The research employed a qualitative and inductive approach within the interpretive paradigm and adopted an exploratory case study strategy. The participants comprised academic and executive experts in sport management, information technology governance, and artificial intelligence, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Following theoretical saturation, 15 experts participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. To ensure trustworthiness, Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) four criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were applied. The Holsti inter-coder agreement coefficient was 0.86. The analysis of 963 significant statements resulted in 65 basic concepts, 16 subthemes, and five main themes: transitioning from fragmented maturity to governed adoption; institutionalizing governance capacity and a supportive ecosystem; developing a trust architecture based on data governance and human-centered accountability; implementing a phased, learning-oriented, auditable approach; and creating multidimensional value across the volleyball value chain. The findings indicated that effective use of generative artificial intelligence depends on establishing a formal governance structure, developing human resources, integrating and protecting data, maintaining human oversight, implementing low-risk pilot projects, and conducting continuous evaluation. The proposed framework can establish a balance between innovation and control and provide the basis for the safe, responsible, and value-creating use of generative artificial intelligence in the federation’s technical, medical, managerial, media, and economic domains.
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