Sports Participation and Leadership Qualities of Female Student-Leaders at Isabela State University&ndash;Echague Campus

Desserie  Benedicto,; Jeremy Ivan  Aspiras,; Rowena  Bayachan,

Sports Participation and Leadership Qualities of Female Student-Leaders at Isabela State University–Echague Campus

Jeremy Ivan Aspiras | Rowena Bayachan | Desserie Benedicto

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

This study examines the relationship between sports participation and the development of leadership skills among female student leaders at Isabela State University–Echague Campus. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study assessed the self-reported levels of four key leadership qualities—interpersonal skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills—and their association with the respondents’ involvement in sports. Data were collected from 79 female student leaders occupying various organizational positions and participating in different types of sports, primarily individual or dual sports. Findings revealed that interpersonal skills and communication skills are significantly correlated with sports participation, indicating that involvement in athletic activities enhances social interaction, confidence, and the ability to express ideas effectively—traits essential in leadership. In contrast, decision-making and problem-solving skills did not show a significant relationship with sports participation, suggesting that these cognitive aspects may require additional developmental experiences outside of sports. Respondents also reported consistently positive perceptions of the benefits of sports participation, particularly in relation to skill enhancement, confidence-building, and overall well-being. The study concludes that sports serve as a valuable platform for fostering social and communicative leadership skills among female students. However, to develop more comprehensive leadership competence, supplemental training programs should address areas such as decision-making and critical problem-solving. The findings emphasize that while sports participation enhances specific leadership skills, particularly in interpersonal and communication domains, it should be complemented with targeted development programs to strengthen decision-making and problem-solving capacities.

References:

Bass, B. M. (1990). Bass & Stogdill's handbook of leadership: Theory, research, and managerial applications (3rd ed.). Free Press.
Best, J. W., & Kahn, J. V. (2006). Research in education (10th ed.). Pearson.
De La Cruz, M. (2020). Breaking gender norms: Community initiatives promoting female participation in sports and leadership development. Journal of Gender Studies in Sports, 14(3), 45–58.
Fernández-Gómez, E., et al. (2020). Cultural adaptation and translation of research instruments in cross-cultural studies. International Journal of Research Methodology, 42(1), 45–58.
Fletcher, D., & Neumann, D. (2009). Women in competitive sports: Confidence, self-efficacy, and leadership. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10(1), 24–31.
Kotter, J. P. (1988). The leadership factor. Free Press.
Philippine Sports Commission. (2020). Women in sports: Empowering leadership and community development through participation. https://www.psc.gov.ph
Ramos, A. (2021). The impact of local sports programs on women's athletic and leadership development. Journal of Sports and Leadership Development, 19(2), 112–126.
Rost, J. C. (1993). Leadership for the twenty-first century. Praeger Publishers.
Sabo, D., & Veliz, P. (2008). The relationship between sports participation and leadership traits in women: A study of self-esteem, communication, and collaboration. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 17(1), 12–21.
Taber, K. S. (2017). The use of Cronbach’s alpha when developing and reporting research instruments in science education. Research in Science Education, 48(6), 1273–1296.