The Network of Key Actors in Public Sport: An Analysis of a Social Strategy in the Transition from Divergence to Participatory Governance

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Sport Management, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Assistant Prof. of Sport Management, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the relational network and the degree of convergence among key actors involved in the development of public sport in Salmas County. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of method, grounded in structural-interactional analysis. The participants comprised sports management experts, from whom 15 individuals with substantial experience and familiarity with the local context were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected via "actor-actor" and "actor-objective" matrices and subsequently analyzed using MACTOR software. The findings revealed that the Department of Sports and Youth, the Municipality, and Sports Federations (local boards) possessed the highest degrees of influence. Notable divergence among institutions was observed with respect to the objectives of "leisure time enrichment" and "financial resource provision." Conversely, a greater degree of alignment was identified concerning the axis of "promoting the culture of sport." In light of the findings, it is recommended that institutional synergy be reinforced through the establishment of a local coordination council, the development of a mixed financing system, and the design of indigenous educational programs. This model may serve as a template for similar regions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Strategic Research on Social Problems

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 September 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 07 September 2026
  • Accept Date: 13 September 2026
  • Publish Date: 13 September 2026

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