The influence of servant leadership on athletic performance: a self-determination theory perspective

Purpose To give a full understanding of how servant leadership impacts organizational performance and needs satisfaction of followers, two unique populations were sampled (i.e. college athletic administrators and coaches) to weigh the importance of leadership on different elements of a sports organization. The purpose for this two-sample design was to enhance the external validity of the results through replication and convergence of conclusions. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized a two-sample structure that consisted of intercollegiate coaches ( N  = 223) and administrative staff members ( N  = 176) perceptions of their leader’s servant leadership to better understand its influence on sport organizational performance. From the study’s hypotheses, data were collated and subjected to correlation and step-wise regression analysis. Findings The results indicate a relationship between servant leadership and organizational performance from both a sport coach and administrative follower perspective. Furthermore, in the administration sample, servant leadership’s relationship with organizational performance was mediated by competency. This study also expands upon the literature by demonstrating that servant leadership had a positive impact on organizational performance beyond tenure effects. Practical implications For an athletic director, implementing behaviors from servant leadership could be valuable tools to enhance the performances of the teams within intercollegiate athletic departments. Originality/value The results indicate a relationship between servant leadership and organizational performance from both a sport coach and administrative follower perspective. Furthermore, in the administration sample, servant leadership’s relationship with organizational performance was mediated by competency. This study also expands upon the literature by demonstrating that servant leadership had a positive impact on organizational performance beyond tenure effects.