Strategic Alignment and its Role in Achieving Competitive Advantage for Iraqi Sports Federations

Abstract

            The relationship between the two variables is that alignment is one of the organizational and strategic pillars that contribute to building and strengthening competitive advantage; the higher the level of alignment amongst the various operational elements within a sports federation, the greater its ability to utilise its resources efficiently, improve its performance, and achieve excellence and sustainability compared with other federations. The objectives of the research are: to identify the strategic alignment and competitive advantage of Iraqi sports federations; and to identify the correlation between strategic alignment and competitive advantage in Iraqi sports federations. Research hypothesis: There is a statistically significant correlation between strategic alignment and competitive advantage in Iraqi sports federations. Methodology: The researcher employed a descriptive approach in the survey methodology. A sample of 131 employees from sports federations was selected, divided into an exploratory sample (10), a validation sample (70) and the main experimental sample (51).  Results: The processed results were obtained.  Conclusions: The most significant of these are: the research scales on strategic alignment and competitive advantage within Iraqi sports federations were found to be valid. The research sample accepted both scales due to the clarity of the statements. Employees of the federations are satisfied with their work and with the federation’s management of sporting activities. The researcher therefore recommended the need to encourage the development of strategic alignment and competitive advantage within Iraqi sports federations. She also highlighted the need to organise courses and workshops explaining all aspects of the two frameworks, and to give staff the opportunity to participate actively in administrative tasks.