The Importance of the Leaders’ and Coaches’ Motivating Style for Sports Club Members’ Motivation to Participate in Organized Sports: Study of Trickle-Down Effects

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Tom De ClerckDepartment of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Tom De Clerck in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Annick WillemDepartment of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Annick Willem in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
,
Sofie MorbéeDepartment of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Sofie Morbée in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
,
Delfien Van DyckDepartment of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Delfien Van Dyck in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
, and
Leen HaerensDepartment of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Leen Haerens in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2021-0130
Keywords:
need support; motivational environment; self-determination theory; structural equation modeling
First Published Online:
01 Apr 2022
In Print:
Volume 36: Issue 3
Page Range:
153–161
Restricted access

A considerable amount of research based on self-determination theory has provided evidence for the pivotal role of the coaches’ motivating style in predicting sports club members’ motivation to participate in organized sports. This study also investigated the importance of the sports club leaders’ motivating style for members’ motivation. Specifically, it focused on the relation between the leaders’ motivating style and members’ motivation via the coaches’ motivating style (i.e., trickle-down effect), hereby relying on the perceptions of sports club members (N = 210). Results pointed to the existence of a trickle-down effect, showing that the leaders’ motivating style was reflected in the coaches’ motivating style, which in turn related positively to members’ autonomous motivation and negatively to members’ amotivation. This study provides a proof of principle of the trickle-down effect in sports clubs, urging researchers to further explore this effect in the sports context.

De Clerck (Tom.Declerck@UGent.be) is the corresponding author, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2140-9425

  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • An, H.Y., Chen, W., Wang, C.W., Yang, H.F., Huang, W.T., & Fan, S.Y. (2020). The relationships between physical activity and life satisfaction and happiness among young, middle-aged, and older adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(13), 4817. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134817

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Assor, A., Vansteenkiste, M., & Kaplan, A. (2009). Identified versus introjected approach and introjected avoidance motivations in school and in sports: The limited benefits of self-worth strivings. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(2), 482. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014236

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bandura, A., & Walters, R.H. (1977). Social learning theory (Vol. 1). Prentice Hall.

  • Bartholomew, K.J., Ntoumanis, N., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2010). The controlling interpersonal style in a coaching context: Development and initial validation of a psychometric scale. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 32(2), 193–216. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.32.2.193

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bartholomew, K.J., Ntoumanis, N., & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C. (2011). Self-determination theory and the darker side of athletic experience: The role of interpersonal control and need thwarting. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 7(2), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.33.1.75

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bouchard, C., Blair, S.N., & Haskell, W.L. (2012). Physical activity and health. Human Kinetics.

  • Byun, G., Lee, S., Karau, S.J., & Dai, Y. (2020). The trickle-down effect of empowering leadership: A boundary condition of performance pressure. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 41(3), 399–414. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-06-2019-024

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Calvo, T.G., Cervelló, E., Jiménez, R., Iglesias, D., & Murcia, J.A.M. (2010). Using self-determination theory to explain sport persistence and dropout in adolescent athletes. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 13(2), 677. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1138741600002341

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cole, M.S., Bruch, H., & Shamir, B. (2009). Social distance as a moderator of the effects of transformational leadership: Both neutralizer and enhancer. Human Relations, 62(11), 1697–1733. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726709346377

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Curran, T., Hill, A.P., & Niemiec, C.P. (2013). A conditional process model of children’s behavioral engagement and behavioral disaffection in sport based on self-determination theory. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 35(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.35.1.30

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Deci, E.L., Olafsen, A.H., & Ryan, R.M. (2017). Self-determination theory in work organizations: The state of a science. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 4, 19–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032516-113108

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • De Clerck, T., Willem, A., Aelterman, N., & Haerens, L. (2021). Volunteers managing volunteers: The role of volunteer board members’ motivating and demotivating style in relation to volunteers’ motives to stay volunteer. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 32, 1271–1284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-019-00177-6

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Delrue, J., Reynders, B., Broek, G.V., Aelterman, N., De Backer, M., Decroos, S., De Muynck, G.J., Fontaine, J., Fransen, K., van Puyenbroeck, S., Haerens, L., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2019). Adopting a helicopter-perspective towards motivating and demotivating coaching: A circumplex approach. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 40, 110–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.08.008

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Findlay, L.C., & Coplan, R.J. (2008). Come out and play: Shyness in childhood and the benefits of organized sports participation. Canadian Journal of Behavioral Science, 40(3), 153. https://doi.org/10.1037/0008-400x.40.3.153

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gillet, N., Berjot, S., Vallerand, R.J., & Amoura, S. (2012). The role of autonomy support and motivation in the prediction of interest and dropout intentions in sport and education settings. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 34(3), 278–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/01973533.2012.674754

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Haerens, L., Vansteenkiste, M., De Meester, A., Delrue, J., Tallir, I., Vande Broek, G., . . . Aelterman, N. (2018). Different combinations of perceived autonomy support and control: Identifying the most optimal motivating style. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 23(1), 16–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2017.1346070

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hair, J.F., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., & Anderson, R.E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis: International version. Pearson.

  • Hayes, A.F. (2009). Beyond Baron and Kenny: Statistical mediation analysis in the new millennium. Communication Monographs, 76(4), 408–420. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03637750903310360

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hodge, K., & Lonsdale, C. (2011). Prosocial and antisocial behavior in sport: The role of coaching style, autonomous vs. controlled motivation, and moral disengagement. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 33(4), 527–547. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.33.4.527

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hox, J.J., & Maas, C.J. (2001). The accuracy of multilevel structural equation modeling with pseudobalanced groups and small samples. Structural Equation Modeling, 8(2), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15328007sem0802_1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hu, L.T., & Bentler, P.M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Iachini, A.L. (2013). Development and empirical examination of a model of factors influencing coaches provision of autonomy-support. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 8(4), 661–675. https://doi.org/10.1260/1747-9541.8.4.661

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jõesaar, H., Hein, V., & Hagger, M.S. (2012). Youth athletes’ perception of autonomy support from the coach, peer motivational climate and intrinsic motivation in sport setting: One-year effects. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 13(3), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.12.001

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Langan, E., Hodge, K., McGowan, S., Carney, S., Saunders, V., & Lonsdale, C. (2016). The influence of controlled motivation alongside autonomous motivation: Maladaptive, buffering, or additive effects?. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 14(1), 57–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2015.1016084

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Little, T.D., Cunningham, W.A., Shahar, G., & Widaman, K.F. (2002). To parcel or not to parcel: Exploring the question, weighing the merits. Structural Equation Modeling, 9(2), 151–173. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15328007sem0902_1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lonsdale, C., Hodge, K., & Rose, E.A. (2008). The Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ): Instrument development and initial validity evidence. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 30(3), 323–355. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.30.3.323

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mageau, G.A., & Vallerand, R.J. (2003). The coach–athlete relationship: A motivational model. Journal of Sports Science, 21(11), 883–904. https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000140374

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Morbée, S., Vansteenkiste, M., Aelterman, N., & Haerens, L. (2020). Why do sport coaches adopt a controlling coaching style? The role of an evaluative context and psychological need frustration. The Sport Psychologist, 34(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2018-0197

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Muthén, L.K., & Muthén B.O. (2020). Mplus User's Guide. : Muthén & Muthén.

  • Muthén, B.O., & Satorra, A. (1995). Complex sample data in structural equation modeling. Sociological Methodology, 25, 267–316. https://doi.org/10.2307/271070

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pelletier, L.G., Fortier, M.S., Vallerand, R.J., & Briere, N.M. (2001). Associations among perceived autonomy support, forms of self-regulation, and persistence: A prospective study. Motivation and Emotion, 25(4), 279–306. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1014805132406

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Podsakoff, P.M., MacKenzie, S.B., Lee, J.Y., & Podsakoff, N.P. (2003). Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(5), 879. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Quinn, R.E., & Rohrbaugh, J. (1981). A competing values approach to organizational effectiveness. Public Productivity Review, 5(2), 122–140. https://doi.org/10.2307/3380029

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reynders, B., Vansteenkiste, M., Van Puyenbroeck, S., Aelterman, N., De Backer, M., Delrue, J., . . . Broek, G.V. (2019). Coaching the coach: Intervention effects on need-supportive coaching behavior and athlete motivation and engagement. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 43, 288–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.04.002

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rocchi, M., & Pelletier, L.G. (2017). The antecedents of coaches’ interpersonal behaviors: The role of the coaching context, coaches’ psychological needs, and coaches’ motivation. Journal of sport and Exercise Psychology, 39(5), 366–378. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2016-0267

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rocchi, M.A., Pelletier, L.G., & Couture, A.L. (2013). Determinants of coach motivation and autonomy supportive coaching behaviors. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14(6), 852–859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.07.002

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ryan, R.M., & Deci, E.L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Slemp, G.R., Kern, M.L., Patrick, K.J., & Ryan, R.M. (2018). Leader autonomy support in the workplace: A meta-analytic review. Motivation and Emotion, 42(5), 706–724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-018-9698-y

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Standage, M., & Ryan, R.M. (2020). Self‐determination theory in sport and exercise. In G. Tenenbaum & R.C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (pp. 37–56). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119568124.ch3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stebbings, J., Taylor, I.M., Spray, C.M., & Ntoumanis, N. (2012). Antecedents of perceived coach interpersonal behaviors: The coaching environment and coach psychological well-and ill-being. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 34(4), 481–502. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.34.4.481

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Voorn, B., Walter, F., & Stoker, J.I. (2013). Affective mechanisms for a trickle-down effect of transformational leadership: The role of justice. In Academy of management proceedings (Vol. 2013, No. 1, p. 15834). Academy of Management. https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2013.15834abstract

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1467 1318 64
Full Text Views 159 152 6
PDF Downloads 189 180 9