Women in Sport Leadership

Although women and girls participate in sport in greater numbers than ever before there has been no significant increase in women leading sport organizations. This book takes an international, evidence-based perspective in examining women in sport leadership and offers future directions for scholars and practitioners. It argues that while positional leadership is crucial, some women may choose to exercise leadership in non-positional ways, challenging readers to consider their personal values and passions. The book explores the opportunities and challenges women face while exercising leadership in sport organizations, and evaluates leadership development practices for women in sport.

"Although women and girls participate in sport in greater numbers than ever before, research shows there has been no significant increase in women leading sport organizations. This book takes an international, evidence-based perspective in examining women in sport leadership and offers future directions for improving gender diversity. With contributions from leading sport scholars and practitioners from across the globe, it explores the opportunities and challenges women face while exercising leadership in sport organizations and evaluates leadership development practices. While positional leadership is crucial, this book argues that some women may choose to exercise leadership in non-positional ways, challenging readers to consider their personal values and passions. Its chapters not only discuss key topics such as gender bias, intersectionality, quotas, networking, mentoring and sponsoring, but also present a variety of strategies to develop and support the next generation of women leaders in sport. Women in Sport Leadership: Research and practice for change is important reading for all students, scholars and coaches with an interest in sport business, policy and management, as well as women's sport and gender studies." --

1. Why This Book?: Framing the Conversation Around Women in Sport Leadership