An examination of the relationship between the multifaceted leadership orientations and change perceptions of sports higher education institution students

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the multifaceted leadership orientations of the students studying in sports higher education institutions and the levels of change in sports management. Material and Method: The study was conducted using the relational survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods. The population of the study consists of a total of 568 students, 218 women and 350 men, who are actively studying in sports higher education institutions. The sample group consists of students of sports higher education institutions in Karabük, Ordu, Rize, Samsun and Trabzon provinces. In the study, personal information form, Multidimensional Leadership Orientation Scale and Change in Sports Management Scale were used as data collection tools. As a result of the normality test applied to the data, it was determined that the data showed a normal distribution. Student's t test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey multiple comparison test and Pearson correlation analysis were used in statistical analysis. Results: In the study, no significant differences were found in the total and subscale scores of the Multidimensional Leadership Orientation Scale and the Sports Management Change Scale based on participants' university and class. However, significant differences were determined in the total scores of the Multidimensional Leadership Orientation Scale and the total and subscale scores of the Sports Management Change Scale based on variables such as gender, age, department, income, and sports experience. A positive and moderate significant relationship was found between participants' total scores on the Multidimensional Leadership Orientation Scale and the total scores on the Sports Management Change Scale. Conclusions: It has been determined that the scores of male participants on the human resources leadership subscale are higher than those of female participants, the total scores of female participants on the sports management change scale are higher than those of male participants, the total scores of participants aged 26-29 on the sports management change scale are higher than those of other age groups, the total scores of sports management students on the multidimensional leadership orientation scale are higher than those of physical education and sports teaching students, and the total scores of participants with 1-3 years of sports experience on the multidimensional leadership orientation scale and sports management change scale are significantly higher than those of participants in other sports experience categories. Finally, a statistically significant positive and moderate relationship was found between participants' multidimensional leadership orientation scores and sports management change scores. Based on these results, it is recommended that students be provided with leadership and change-oriented, practical training programs. In these programs, individual tasks and teamwork assignments should be given to students. Mentorship programs should be developed to connect students with experienced leaders, providing them with the opportunity to combine their theoretical knowledge with practical experience.