ULOGA LIDERSTVA U UPRAVLJANJU VATERPOLO KLUBA JADRAN IZ HERCEG NOVOG

Abstract

This research paper analyzes the role of leadership and leader characteristics in management activities at the water polo club Jadran from Herceg Novi. Conducted from January to March 2024, the study included 120 club members. Data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed to club members, who evaluated leader characteristics and management activities using five variables. The analysis showed that leader characteristics such as trust, innovativeness, and conflict resolution ability had a significant impact on various aspects of club management. The highest-rated management activity was team collaboration, while the lowest rating was given to the club's clear vision and goals. Correlation analysis confirmed a significant relationship between leader characteristics and management activities, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership for member motivation and successful team management. Regression analysis further identified specific leader characteristics that most contributed to particular aspects of management, such as innovativeness and flexibility for communication transparency and decision-making efficiency. Additionally, the research revealed statistically significant differences in the perception of management activities concerning the gender of club members, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies that consider different perspectives and priorities within the club. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between leadership and management in sports organizations, underscoring the importance of effective leadership in achieving club goals and the need for an inclusive approach in managing sports teams. More broadly, these results can serve as a basis for further research and the development of management strategies in sports clubs, not only in the context of water polo but also in other sports disciplines.