Designing and Validating a Model of Elite Involvement in the National Sport Governance Structure

Abstract

This study aimed to design and validate a structural model of elite involvement in the national sport governance structure and to examine the direct and indirect effects of its components on good sport governance outcomes. This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational design based on covariance-based structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of managers, experts, and specialists working in major national sport institutions, from whom 300 participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 30-item questionnaire comprising five constructs: elite characteristics, governance processes, interaction networks, monitoring and control, and good sport governance outcomes. Face and content validity were assessed by experts, while construct validity was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis and convergent and discriminant validity assessment. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Structural relationships and mediation effects were tested using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples. Elite characteristics had significant positive effects on governance processes (β=0.64, t=8.71, P<0.001) and interaction networks (β=0.47, t=6.12, P<0.001). Governance processes (β=0.58, t=7.94, P<0.001) and interaction networks (β=0.29, t=4.36, P<0.001) significantly predicted monitoring and control. Governance processes (β=0.35), interaction networks (β=0.21), and monitoring and control (β=0.42) also significantly predicted good sport governance outcomes (P<0.001). Significant indirect effects were identified through governance processes (β=0.224), governance processes and monitoring (β=0.156), and interaction networks and monitoring (β=0.057). The model explained 62% of the variance in good governance outcomes. Elite involvement contributes most effectively to good sport governance when elite expertise is institutionalized through improved governance processes, stronger interaction networks, and effective monitoring and control mechanisms. Formalizing elite participation in policymaking and performance evaluation can therefore enhance transparency, accountability, and organizational effectiveness in the national sport governance system.