Comparing Preferred Coaching Behaviors of Collegiate Athletes to Self-Perceived Coaching Behaviors of Collegiate Coaches

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare, contrast, and understand leadership behaviors most exhibited and preferred by collegiate coaches and athletes. Previous studies have found that leadership styles can have a lot to do with the skill level of each athlete, as well as their current psychological state (anxiety levels, confidence, motivation, emotional maturity, competitiveness, optimism, etc.). Team culture was also said to have a noticeable influence on the coach-athlete relationship. Using both the Leadership Scale for Sport for Athletes (Chelladurai & Saleh, 1978) and the Revised Leadership Scale for Sport for Coaches (Chelladurai & Saleh, 1980), an analysis of training behavior, positive feedback, social support, autocratic behavior, and democratic behavior was conducted. Results found that training behavior, social support, and positive feedback should be at the forefront of the five leadership styles, while autocratic behavior should be avoided in most instances.