Coaches’ transformational leadership practices and athletes’ self – efficacy towards a teamwork synergy program

This study explores the relationship between coach leadership styles and athlete self-efficacy at Guangzhou Sport University, China. The research focuses on transformational leadership practices and their impact on student-athletes. The majority of student-athletes, primarily males aged 21-23, participate in football. Coaches' transformational leadership practices were assessed across five dimensions: modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart. Results indicate that coaches excel in inspiring a shared vision and encouraging the heart. Student-athletes perceive their coaches as role models who set examples and build consensus. Coaches are also effective at fostering a collective vision and celebrating accomplishments. Challenging the process, coaches actively encourage innovation and risk-taking. They support athletes in their pursuit of improvement, emphasizing doubting ideas rather than individuals. Enabling others to act, coaches treat athletes with respect, value diverse perspectives, and empower decision-making. This dimension highlights coaches' commitment to guiding rather than directing performance. No significant differences were found in assessments based on athlete profiles (sex, age, sports area), suggesting consistent leadership effectiveness. Furthermore, the study reveals high levels of athlete self-efficacy in professional thought, personality, sport discipline, and psychological aspects. Athletes show confidence in their abilities, fair play, personal development, and emotional control. Significantly, a strong relationship exists between coaches' transformational leadership and athlete self-efficacy, emphasizing coaches' influence on athletes' confidence and belief in their capabilities. This research suggests the implementation of a Teamwork Synergy Program to enhance teamwork and collaboration, further leveraging transformational leadership and self-efficacy among coaches and athletes. In conclusion, this study underscores the vital role of coaches in fostering athlete self-efficacy through transformational leadership practices. Coaches' ability to inspire, challenge, and empower athletes significantly impacts their self-belief and performance. The proposed Teamwork Synergy Program offers practical insights for optimizing leadership and self-efficacy in sports environments.