Exploring leadership behaviors as a deterrent or promotional means of perceived team cohesion among fastpitch softball players.

Abstract

Research suggests that a leader's effectiveness in sport is contingent upon varying characteristics of athletes and the present situation. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between leadership behaviors and team cohesion, through qualitative and quantitative research methods, among collegiate fastpitch softball teams. Participants (n = 13) completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ); the Perception and Preferred Versions of the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS); while coaches only completed the Perception Version of the LSS. Further data collection consisted of interviewing randomly selected team members to examine the congruency between qualitative and quantitative responses. Pearson's product moment correlations coefficients revealed a non-significant relationship ( p > .05) between perceived autocratic behavior (AB) and task cohesion. The relationship between preferred AB and task cohesion was significant. Both associations support previous findings (r = .467, p = .11; r = .529, p = .04, respectively). This information may foster team unity upon educating players and coaches about the importance of establishing coach-athlete dyads prior to coach-team relationships. Similar research designs should be employed to study gender differences between coaches, with a larger sample size in the sport of softball.