Exploring the Source of Leadership Self-Efficacy among Japanese Female High School Student-Athletes through Sport Experiences

To apply self-efficacy theory to identify the sport-related themes and the processes through which they influence leadership self-efficacy (LSE) among Japanese female high school student-athletes. Method: Focus group and one -on-one interviews were conducted with 30 female high school student-athletes aged 16-17. A grounded theory approach (GTA), which allows the generation of theory from participants’ narratives, was employed to extend self-efficacy theory within the sport context. Result: We identified four categories that impact LSE: (a) leadership experience, (b) feedback on leadership behavior, (c) observation of leaders, and (d) sport performance level. Implication: These findings of this study contribute to the development of leadership education programs for girls through sport, helping to address the underrepresentation of female leaders in Japan. Keywords: leadership development; female student-athletes; leadership self-efficacy; sport leadership