Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Public Administration, Qa.C., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
2 Department of Management, WT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Good governance in these institutions plays a key role in enhancing efficiency, legitimacy, and sustainability; however, the intellectual structure and conceptual network of this field within the sports context have been scarcely explored. This study aims to delineate the conceptual network and elucidate the intellectual structure of research on good governance in human resource systems within sports organizations. The present study employed a mixed-methods approach and scientometric methodology. Data were collected from domestic databases (Magiran, Noormags) and international databases (Scopus, Web of Science) for the period 2000 to 2025, and were screened according to the PRISMA protocol. Ultimately, 163 articles were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software through co-word and co-citation analysis techniques. Findings indicate that scientific output in this field has followed an accelerated trend since 2010, categorized into seven conceptual clusters: structural-legal governance, behavioral-cultural governance, professional competency development, macro-management strategies, participatory mechanisms, developmental-contextual requirements, and outcome indicators. Co-word analysis revealed the central position of the concepts of transparency, accountability, and participation, alongside the drivers of digitalization and development within sports institutions. These clusters crystallized in the research model as a three-layered framework comprising the human resource management system, principles of good governance, and intervening factors. The proposed model can serve as a diagnostic tool for human resource systems within the Ministry of Sport and Youth, federations, and clubs. By establishing transparency systems, strengthening multi-level accountability, and designing participatory-oriented mechanisms, the groundwork for the implementation of good governance in sports human resources can be provided.
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