Aboulfazl Dehnavi, Mohammad R. Ismaili and Hossein Poursoltani
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceptions of coaching behavior and quality of work life among athletes competing in the 2012-13 Iranian track and field league. An applied descriptive-survey method was used. Statistical population composed of all athletes participating in Iran's track and field league 2012-13 (n=150). 136 subjects were selected as the sample by using a random sampling technique. The personality, leadership scale for sports (LSS), and quality of work life questionnaires were used to collect data. Cronbach's alpha values were calculated for the leadership styles (α =.718) and quality of work life (α =.785) questionnaires. Research hypotheses were analyzed through Kolmogorov– Smirnoff (K-S), Freidman, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent samples and one-sample t-tests. The correlated t-test indicated no significant difference between the quality of work life and the subscales before and after the competition season (P ≥ .05). Various coaching behaviors were ranked by the Friedman test and a significant result was obtained (p= .001). Training and instruction had the highest mean ranking from Athletes' views. Pearson correlation test showed a significant relationship between coaching behaviors and quality of work life (p=.02). The one sample t-test revealed significant differences between the hypothetical and observed means of the quality of work life before and after the season (p= .04). Regarding this result, the acceptable quality of work life is not reached for the Iranian T& F athletes. As found, some coaching behaviors can affect athletes' quality of work life. Coaches should adapt appropriate behaviors to help athletes meet their occupational needs.
