Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. Student in Sports Management, Department of Physical Education, Aliabad Katoul Branch, Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Aliabad Katoul Branch, Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran.
3 Physical Education, Aliabad Katoul Branch, Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran.
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to explain and prioritize the factors affecting sports diplomacy in the virtual space. This study was fundamental in terms of purpose, descriptive in nature, and a mixed research in terms of variables, which was a combination of the Delphi and fuzzy Dematel methods. The statistical population of this research, given the type of research on sports diplomacy, included all stakeholders and experts in the field of sports diplomacy and international relations, members of the academic faculty of sports management in the country and officials of international federations. The sampling method in the qualitative section was purposeful and snowball, and a total of 16 interviews were conducted to reach theoretical saturation. The Delphi group consisted of 8 of the interviewees, and 13 experts formed the fuzzy Dematel group. The analyses were performed in the Excel software. The interview findings and the theoretical foundations of the research indicated that a total of 79 items were identified as factors affecting sports diplomacy in the virtual space, which were classified into 9 main categories: "nature and potential", "structural factors", "management policy", "media policy", "professional sports policy", "cultural policy", "international policy", "economic factors" and "communication policy". In addition, the findings of the fuzzy Dematel test showed that there are 4 influential factors and 5 susceptible factors on sports diplomacy in the virtual space. In a general conclusion, it was stated that the influential factors should be given priority, as this could have a greater impact on sports diplomacy in the virtual space of Iran and play a more active role in this area.
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Main Subjects
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