AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE NOTION OF SHARED LEADERSHIP WITHIN A TEAM SPORT – RUGBY UNION

Abstract

The reason for this study is to identify these influential aspects within contemporary coaching and team environments through a qualitative capacity. The perception of the team environment, influential factors and the practicalities of shared leadership will be investigated using the opinions of coaches. Using in depth semi-structured interviews; the purpose of this study was to theoretically identify and research factors that support the effectiveness shared leadership has in a team environment, and in what manner these factors possibly will have influenced situationally specific components of performance. The semi-structured interviews which included four male rugby union coaches were transcribed word for word, and information was made available for analysis to highlight themes. the findings from this study delivered awareness of factors which influence the effectiveness of shared leadership in a sporting team environment. Additionally, the literature review highlighted that shared leadership has a positive influence on a team environment and provides benefits such as an increase in greater performance on the pitch by improving game knowledge and a shared vision towards team goals. However, future research should look in more depth to the influence followership has on a team environment.