The Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Pilot Online Conflict Management Workshop for High School Sport Leaders

Abstract

Conflict and conflict management in sport have received less attention from researchers and practitioners compared to other settings (i.e., business, personal relationships). Studies have focused on athlete perspectives and team outcomes of conflict (Holt et al., 2012; Paradis et al., 2014a), but lack an exploration of explicit strategies for managing conflict. Further, peer leaders of sport teams struggle with facilitating relationships and managing conflict on their teams (Voelker et al., 2011). The purpose of this two-phase study is to explore conflict in sport and potential conflict management resources for youth athletes. In Phase 1, a needs assessment, two focus group interviews with high school team captains identified current sources of conflict, barriers to addressing conflict, and their use of specific conflict management strategies. These results and the COM-B framework (Michie et al., 2011) informed the design and implementation of an online conflict management workshop. In Phase 2, twelve high school student leaders from the same school participated in the online workshop. A mixed-method evaluation measured individual changes in two variables associated with conflict management (cognitive flexibility and problem-solving ability) through surveys and focus group interviews post-workshop. Results indicated this pilot workshop was effective in increasing perceptions of cognitive flexibility and problem solving (i.e., a more positive outlook on problems, a rational problem-solving style, and less avoidance of problems). Results also support the use of a novel framework for managing conflict. The success of this workshop shows promise for future implementation and offers a resource for adolescent athletes.