Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor of Sport Management and Planning, Urmia university

2 PhD Student in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

10.30473/fmss.2026.77637.2705

Abstract

Public sports organizations in Northwestern Iran require strong resilience to withstand economic and social shocks. A lack of integrated research on leadership and cultural mechanisms has created a significant gap. This study presents a conceptual model examining the role of transformational leadership in enhancing organizational resilience, with inclusive culture as a mediator. The research is applied and descriptive–correlational. Based on 47 questionnaire items and Hair et al.'s (2010) recommendation (5–10 times the number of items), a sample of 395 was determined; 364 usable questionnaires were collected (92.1% response rate). Data were gathered from employees of four provincial departments of sport and youth using stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. Standard instruments measured transformational leadership, inclusive culture, and organizational resilience. Analysis used SmartPLS and SPSS. Results show transformational leadership has a significant positive effect on both inclusive culture and organizational resilience. Inclusive culture significantly mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational resilience. Multi-group analysis revealed stronger effects among female employees, those with higher education, longer tenure, and older age groups. Findings highlight the strategic importance of transformational leadership and inclusive culture in strengthening resilience. Practical recommendations include leadership development programs, diversity-oriented policies, and crisis simulation exercises. The model offers a localized framework for enhancing resilience in Iran’s Ministry of Sport and Youth.

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