The Comparison of Leadership Styles and Satisfaction of Student Athletes

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship of leadership styles displayed by head coaches of colligate athletics and the ascendent satisfaction of the student-athlete experience. Electronic questionnaires were sent to 431 active student athletes from an American Division 1 University, 40 athletes completed the questionnaire. Student athletes were requested to respond to a modified version of the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ). This instrument accurately collected data on athletes’ current satisfaction regarding the overall satisfaction of the perceived student-athlete experience. Participants were then asked what leadership style best represented their head coach (Democratic, Autocratic, Laissez-faire). Participating student athletes from the American D1 university completed questionnaires identifying democratic leadership as the predominant leadership style displayed by head coaches, followed by laissez-faire, and autocratic. Further, the democratic leadership style yielded a higher amount of athlete satisfaction across all 11 measured factors when compared to the other leadership styles.