ABSTRACT
People naturally classify themselves and others into social categories or groups in order to make sense of the world. A gap exists in the sports coaching leadership literature, calling for a model of leadership that accurately encompasses the complex social dynamic that is the sports coaching leadership process. Coaching leadership is a complex social process. It is possible that coaches with a deep understanding of their team’s social identity (SI), and how to leverage this knowledge within the context of their team, may prove to be more effective leaders. A gap exists in the sports coaching leadership literature, calling for a model of leadership that accurately encompasses the complex social dynamic that is the sports coaching leadership process. The SI leadership approach provides a starting point for research that can, in turn, provide novel corroborations or identity falsifications to extend and/or tighten the model. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
