Presenting a Model of Leadership Style and Attitude Toward Change with the Mediating Role of Moral Intelligence among Football Coaches in Iraq

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to present a model of the relationship between leadership style and attitude toward change with the mediating role of moral intelligence among football coaches in Iraq. In terms of purpose, this research was applied, and in terms of method, it was descriptive-correlational. The study was conducted through a survey approach and structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of football coaches in Iraq and relevant members of the football coaches’ assembly, totaling 336 individuals. Based on the Krejcie and Morgan table, 179 participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a leadership style questionnaire based on the situational leadership framework of Hersey, Blanchard, and Natemeyer, an attitude toward change questionnaire, and a moral intelligence questionnaire. Instrument validity was examined through content, convergent, and discriminant validity, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS. The findings showed that leadership style was positively and significantly associated with moral intelligence among football coaches in Iraq. Moreover, moral intelligence was positively and significantly associated with attitude toward change. Mediation analysis confirmed the mediating role of moral intelligence in the relationship between leadership style and attitude toward change. Model fit indices, including the GOF value of 0.660, indicated a desirable fit. Therefore, strengthening effective leadership styles along with enhancing moral intelligence may be associated with a more positive attitude toward change among football coaches.