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.