ABSTRACT
There continues to be a growing base of knowledge determined by research and experience in fields dedicated to sport and its governance. Because sport management research has historically been based upon administrative principles in physical education and sport, governance was virtually absent from the literature. Governance has been recognized as a paradigm-generating concept, yet there has been little systematic attempt to capture the extent by either public administration, management, or sport management scholars. To understand how systems work, it is important to learn systems of governance that include several key elements: mechanisms for establishing authority, processes for decision making, and a means of enforcing accountability to ensure that the collective decisions are adhered to. The present system approaches to sport governance, however, may not be the most appropriate to governance that is inclusive, diverse, safe, and equitable for the 21st century. Recently, the governance of sport relative to leadership comprises three approaches to governance: fiduciary, strategic, and generative modes. Competent people are key to governing complex strategies and organizations operating in environments that are inclusive, diverse, safe, and equitable globally. An explanation of sport governance skills and suggestions using appreciative inquiry to develop future sport governance leaders are discussed as well as issues involving the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
