Identifying and Prioritizing Factors Affecting Talent Management Based on the Lived Experiences of Sports Organization Managers with an Emphasis on Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the factors influencing talent management based on the lived experiences of sports organization managers, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing human resource management processes. This study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive–survey in terms of methodology. The statistical population consisted of managers from sports and youth departments and sports federations in western provinces of Iran (Kermanshah, Kurdistan, Hamedan, and Ilam), from which 215 participants were selected using quota purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of 45 items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Content and construct validity were confirmed by experts, and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling through SPSS and AMOS software. The Friedman test was also used to prioritize the identified factors. The results of factor analysis revealed that the talent management model consisted of 15 major factors, collectively explaining 91.45% of the total variance. Model fit indices (χ²/df=1.34, RMSEA=0.028, CFI=0.94, GFI=0.92) indicated acceptable model fitness. The Friedman test results showed significant differences among factor rankings (χ²=887.188, p<0.01). Organizational structure, employee competencies, job rotation, human resource planning, and rewards and reinforcement were identified as the most influential factors, while other factors such as efficient recruitment, organizational support, opportunity creation, psychological capital, employee participation, succession planning, delegation, training and evaluation, commitment, and self-esteem were ranked subsequently. The findings indicate that talent management in sports organizations is a multidimensional construct influenced by organizational, managerial, and individual factors, where organizational structure and employee competencies play a central role in enhancing talent management effectiveness. Furthermore, integrating artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies can significantly improve talent identification, development, and retention processes, thereby strengthening organizational performance and sustainable competitive advantage.