THE INFLUENCE OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL LEADERSHIP ON TEAM DYNAMICS IN TEAM SPORTS

Abstract

Background. Leadership in team sports is distributed across appointed captains and influential peers. Although both may shape coordination and cohesion, their respective roles are conceptually distinct. Objective. To develop and illustrate an integrated model linking formal and informal leadership with team cohesion, communication, interpersonal trust, collective efficacy, and conflict. Methods. A transparent synthetic cross-sectional dataset of 150 hypothetical athletes was generated for a worked statistical illustration. Seven five-point composite indicators were examined using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and ordinary least-squares regression. Results. The illustrative data show positive associations of both leadership indicators with cohesion, communication, trust, and collective efficacy and negative associations with conflict. Conclusions. Complementary role clarity, peer influence, and inclusive communication offer a plausible pathway for more effective team dynamics. These illustrative numerical results are not empirical evidence and must not be reported as observed athletes’ outcomes.