The Influence of Leader Behaviors, Coach Attributes, and Institutional Variables on Performance and Satisfaction of Collegiate Basketball Teams

Abstract

Based on Chelladurai and Carron's (1978) multidimensional theory of leadership, this study examined the relationship of leader behaviors, coach attributes, and institutional variables to team performance and athlete satisfaction. Collegiate basketball players (n = 251) representing 23 NAIA teams assessed their coach's leader behaviors and also indicated their satisfaction with various facets of their athletic experience. Regression analyses revealed that neither institutional nor coach attribute variables were significantly related to team performance or satisfaction. Leader behaviors, however, were found to be significantly related to these team outcomes. Analyses with individual satisfaction scores revealed that size of school, coach attributes, and leader behaviors were predictive of athlete satisfaction. Coaches who engaged in more frequent rewarding behavior, social support behavior, and a democratic style of decision-making produced more satisfied athletes. Moreover, younger coaches and those with better previous win/loss records were related to higher levels of athlete satisfaction.