Navigating the path to management: insights into sport manager selection and diversity strategies in Romania

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of sport manager selection and diversity policies within Romanian sports organizations, with a particular focus on affirmative action, recruitment strategies, leadership development, and technology integration. Through semi-structured interviews conducted with 65 Romanian sports managers and coaches, the research reveals key trends in the balance between financial management and competitive performance, informal recruitment practices, and the challenges in applying affirmative action policies effectively. Although there is broad support for merit-based recruitment, the persistence of informal networks and the emphasis on cultural fit often hinder progress toward diversity. These findings underscore the necessity for formalized recruitment policies and proactive integration of diversity frameworks, especially as Romania navigates the transition from a post-communist system to modern organizational leadership. This study offers fresh insights into the complexities of leadership and diversity in sports management and calls for future research to explore longitudinal trends and the lived experiences of underrepresented groups to better understand and advance inclusivity in leadership roles within sports organizations.