The Relationship Between Leadership Behavior,Collective Efficacy,and Cohesion Among Female Collegiate Basketball Players

Leadership behavior in sports can significantly affect team cohesion and collective efficacy, which are essential for not only winning games but also for fostering a positive and supportive team environment. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between various leadership behavior with collective efficacy, and cohesion among female collegiate basketball players while controlling for age. METHODS: 100 female athletes (mean age = 20.08 years) who played in the Chinese University Basketball Association voluntarily completed a series of questionnaires to evaluate the athletes' leadership behavior (Sports Leadership Behavior Scale, SLBS), cohesion (Group Cohesion Scale) and collective efficacy (Team Effectiveness Scale). Two multiple regression models were performed with cohesion and collective efficacy being the dependent variables, respectively. Five specific leadership behaviors derived from SLBS, i.e., training and guidance, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, social support, and positive feedback, were the predictive variables of each model. Age was also included as a control variable in each model. The Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) was used to measure the potential multicollinearity in regression models. RESULTS: The multicollinearity found to be within acceptable limits, ensuring the reliability of the predictive models. Notably, the multiple regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between certain types of leadership behavior with collective efficacy and cohesion. Specifically, the democratic behavior was positively correlated with team cohesion (β = 0.23, p = 0.038, while positive feedback is positively correlated with team effectiveness (β = 0.72, p= 0.002). Age was not significant in either of the models ( p’s > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Democratic behavior and positive feedback may enhance team cohesion and effectiveness, respectively, in female collegiate basketball teams. Sports teams should foster a more inclusive and supportive environment by adopting democratic leadership styles and providing positive feedback, such as affirmation and approval, to team members. In developing leadership training programs, coaches and sports administrators should emphasize these beneficial leadership behaviors.