Development and Standardization of a Scale Measuring the Entrepreneurial Leadership Characteristics of Board Members of Clubs in the Iraqi Stars League

The primary objective of this study was to construct and standardize a psychometrically robust scale measuring the entrepreneurial leadership characteristics of board members within clubs participating in the Iraqi Stars League, as well as to derive standardized scores (Z-scores and T-scores) and establish normative performance tiers for practical administrative diagnosis. Employing a descriptive survey methodology, the research targeted the entire population of administrative board members across all 20 professional clubs competing in the 2024–2025 season (N = 160). The sample structure was systematically organized across three developmental phases: an exploratory pilot sample (n = 10, 6.25%), a scale construction sample (n = 110, 68.75%), and a scale standardization sample (n = 150, 93.75%). Content and face validity were verified by an expert panel of 17 university professors in sports administration and psychometrics using Chi-square (χ²) goodness-of-fit tests, confirming five theoretical domains: Creativity and Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Problem-Solving Competence, Calculated Risk-Taking, and Perseverance and Tenacity. Statistical item analysis utilizing the extreme groups method (upper vs. lower 27%, df = 58) demonstrated high discriminant power across items (p < 0.001). Internal consistency was established through item-total and item-domain Pearson correlation coefficients, resulting in the retention of 35 finalized items. Reliability analysis demonstrated high stability via the split-half method corrected by the Guttman formula (r = 0.756) and an exceptional Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = 0.991). Normative calibration on the standardization sample (M = 97.82, SD = 9.47, Skewness = 0.603) yielded five standard tiers: Very Good (4.66%), Good (13.33%), Average (70.00%), Acceptable (12.00%), and Poor (0.00%). The findings confirm that board members possess solid entrepreneurial leadership competencies, predominantly concentrated in average-to-high performance tiers. The study recommends adopting the standardized scale as a diagnostic benchmark for club governance, establishing leadership development programs, and incentivizing entrepreneurial venture creation in Iraqi professional sports.