Girls’ preferences regarding coaches’ democratic and autocratic leadership styles

Abstract

Girls are integral members of the sporting community; however, their sports participation and development continue to be shaped by gender, age, and cultural factors. In Israel, the socio-cultural context presents unique challenges and experiences for young female athletes. However, little is known about their preferences regarding coaching behaviors and leadership styles. Given the central role of coaches in fostering girls’ persistence in sports, this study examined the leadership style preferences of Israeli girls engaged in organized sports, with particular focus on democratic and autocratic coaching styles. Findings indicated that while some girls expressed a clear preference for a democratic leadership style, many showed flexibility and acceptance toward behaviors typically associated with autocratic leadership. Notably, participants emphasized the importance of situational leadership, suggesting that effective coaching requires adaptability to athletes’ needs and context. These findings highlight the value of adopting a cultural lens when examining athletes’ preferences. Additionally, the findings underscore the need for coach education programs to develop culturally responsive leadership practices that support girls’ sustained engagement in sports.