The Effect of Youth Sport Coaches' Identities on Their Knowledge Orientations: A Social Network Perspective

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Creativity and Localized Change: Teachers and Coaches Supporting Transformation (Table 6)

Abstract

This study uses social network analysis to explore how individuals' identities affect the relationship between their network structures and knowledge orientations in the context of educational-sportive leadership. The ego-networks of 88 Israeli Youth Soccer Coaches were examined based on their sportive, educational, and friendship networks. The findings show that identity embeddedness enhances knowledge exploitation, even with access to non-redundant new knowledge. However, under lower levels of athlete identity and versatile networks, coaches explore novelty while relying on past knowledge and routines. The study stresses the need for youth sport leaders to develop diverse networks and multiple identities to acquire and utilize knowledge effectively for professional advancement.

Authors

• Reut Liraz, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Ori Eyal, Hebrew University of Jerusalem