Policymaking and Internationalization of Iranian Sports Federations: Providing a Data-Driven Conceptual Framework (Qualitative Approach)

Mirshekari, Maryam; Ershadi, Rouhallah; Hashemi, BI BI Fakhrosadat; Esfahaninia, Akram; Hemati MoradAbadi, Jamshid

doi:10.30507/jmsp.2026.537205.2832

Policymaking and Internationalization of Iranian Sports Federations: Providing a Data-Driven Conceptual Framework (Qualitative Approach)

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors

Maryam Mirshekari ¹

Rouhallah Ershadi ²

BI BI Fakhrosadat Hashemi ²

Akram Esfahaninia ³

Jamshid Hemati MoradAbadi ⁴

¹ Department of Sport Management, Ki.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran.

² Department of Physical Education and sport science, Bu.C., Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran

³ 3. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran

⁴ Department of Physical Education and sport science, Be.C., Islamic Azad University, Behbahan, Iran

10.30507/jmsp.2026.537205.2832

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for policymaking and internationalization of Iranian sports federations using a data-driven approach. The research employed a qualitative method (thematic analysis). The statistical population included managers and experts from sports federations as well as university professors specializing in related fields. Seventeen participants were selected through theoretical (judgmental) sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured exploratory interviews. The validity of the instrument and results was confirmed through expert credibility and an inter-coder agreement rate of 0.69. A four-stage conceptual coding method was used for data analysis. Key themes included data-driven international requirements, capacity-building for data management, technological and infrastructural readiness, international interactions and exchanges, human and intellectual capital capabilities, knowledge management and organizational learning, stakeholder-focused data services, performance management, information system security, competitive intelligence and marketing, and sustainable development of federation systems. The findings indicate that implementing a data-driven approach to internationalization requires a systematic and multi-dimensional strategy, beginning with environmental and systemic assessments, followed by capacity-building and sustainable development. The proposed framework outlines a conceptual roadmap for transforming national sports federations toward digitalization and global integration.

Keywords

Sports organizations

international capacity

organizational technology

sports federation

human capital

Subjects