The role of motivation in talent selection in sports: insights from a comparison with personnel selection in business
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Talent identification and selection in sports pose significant challenges, necessitating a nuanced understanding of factors influencing athletes’ elite-level potential. While physical and physiological aspects have conventionally played roles in the selection process, also other constructs of talent development have to be considered. Various talent models have included psychological aspects, especially motivation, as either moderators or catalysts. Based on empirical evidence of the relationship between motivation and performance, different views are hold in which form motivation should be used for talent selection. Considering the hierarchical model of achievement motivation and self-determination theory, the importance of different motivational dimensions in talent selection is assessed. Extending beyond sports, this study examines whether scouts, coaches, and recruiters prioritize motivational dimensions differently. Employing conjoint analysis, analytical hierarchy process, and constant-sum procedures, the research assesses weighted importance and its influences on selection decisions across domains. Results from n = 151 decision-makers demonstrate convergent emphasis on high intrinsic motivation and low fear of failure across domains, alongside domain-specific patterns: fear of failure and ego orientation are prioritized in sports, whereas task orientation receives greater emphasis in the business context. The assessment method (conjoint analysis, AHP and constant-sum procedure) significantly influenced outcomes, with direct ratings inflating intrinsic motivation importance (consistent with social desirability effects) while choice-based conjoint analysis revealed fear of failure as the strongest actual selection driver. The prioritization of risk avoidance (low fear of failure) over opportunity maximization (high hope for success) may suggest loss aversion bias in selection decisions. These findings inform evidence-based practice by making implicit criteria explicit and demonstrating the necessity of domain-adapted assessment approaches. Research on assessing weightings should precisely consider, which method may be most appropriate to better capture authentic decision-making.
Authors: Birte Brinkmöller, Dennis Dreiskämper, Leon Brüggemann, Oliver Höner, Bernd Strauss
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,125
OpenAlex ID: W4404897439