Explanation and design of organizational sports development model for employees of the National Drilling Company (with a regional sustainability approach in Ahvaz)

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Physical Education, Shushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch, Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: Considering the vital importance of human resources in the National Iranian Drilling Company, especially in the city of Ahvaz, and the exposure of employees to job stress and high workplace risks, it is essential to develop a local and comprehensive model for sports development. In this regard, the aim of the present study was to explain and design a model for the development of sports for employees in the National Iranian Drilling Company with a regional sustainability approach in Ahvaz. This research is applied in terms of its purpose and is classified as qualitative research in terms of its nature, and has been conducted with a data-based theory approach (grand theory).
Methodology: The statistical population of the study consisted of experts and employees familiar with the subject of sports and organizational development in the National Ahvaz Drilling Company with a regional sustainability approach, as well as academic experts in the field of sports management. The sample size was determined as 30 people using the purposive sampling method (snowball) and based on the principle of theoretical saturation. The data collection tool was in-depth semi-structured interviews that were conducted with the participation of sample members. Three stages of open, axial, and selective coding were used to analyze the data.
Results and Findings: The results of the study showed that sports development in the National Iranian Drilling Company is a comprehensive and cyclical system that has been formed around the main category of "model of sustainable sports development in the organization". This model was explained based on six paradigmatic categories (causal, contextual, interventionist, strategies and consequences). Causal and contextual factors initiate the development path, which then faces interventionist obstacles (political, financial, managerial). To overcome these obstacles, four key strategic roles (cultural-interactional, managerial-executive, financial and educational) were presented. The successful implementation of these strategies has led to four types of consequences (fundamental, health, structural and economic) that transform sports development from a cost to a strategic investment with high returns on health, vitality and productivity of human resources. This indigenous model provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to promote sports into a systemic and managerial process.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 December 2025

  • Receive Date 03 September 2025
  • Accept Date 07 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 09 December 2025
  • Publish Date 09 December 2025