فرزاد غفوری

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive model for strategic thinking in sports federations in Iran. This research is a qualitative exploratory study and a practical one that has been done using thematic analysis. The research population consisted of experts and elites in the field of strategic sport management, with having knowledge of the sport federations. The research participants based on the triangulation technique included: faculty members of sports management of universities, senior managers with the experience in the field of sports, as well as athletes and referees with experience of professional sports. 16 participants were interviewed through purposive and snowball sampling until reaching theoretical saturation. The tools used to collect data included a semi-structured interview based on the main questions and objectives of the research. To increase the accuracy and validity of the analysis at different stages, the codes, sub-themes and main themes were provided to research team as well as two interviewed experts and the necessary modifications were made in accordance with their opinions. The retest reliability method was used to ensure the reliability of the findings. Credibility, dependability, transformability, and confirmability were also used to confirm the validity. Finally, based on the six-stage thematic analysis model of Braun and Clarke (2006), the final research model was developed which included: “effective factors”, “strategic thinking elements” in sport federations, and “Strategic thinking consequences” in sports federations. Considering the findings of this study can pave the way for developing strategic thinking in sport federations.

Sports diplomacy is regarded as one of the most important communicative components among nations in their international relations. Regarding the mentioned fact, the main objective of this study was to provide a paradigm of sport diplomacy in the foreign policy of Iran. This is a qualitative study with exploratory nature by applying the Strauss and Corbin grounded theory approach. The data collection tool was semi-structured interviews with 14 elites including sports experts and policymakers. Findings demonstrated 133 initial concepts in open coding, reduced into 27 categories, and categorized into six main themes to support the initial development of the model. The results showed that adopting appropriate strategies like managerial evolution, developing indigenous models, national brand-making through sports, educating and empowering human resources, legal and structural development of sports diplomacy, and cultural changes in Iranian professional sports could bring greater consequences that encourage governing bodies to alter attitudes toward the role of sports diplomacy, and to empowers foreign policy for strengthening mutual relations worldwide.