The relationship between coach and peer leadership and team cohesion within elite Swedish floorball players

Abstract: The present study aimed to (1) examine the direct relationship between coach transformational leadership and peer transformational leadership on team cohesion within elite Swedish floorball players, (2) examine potential differences between coach leadership behaviours and peer leadership behaviours on team cohesion, and (3) examine gender differences in perceived coach leadership behaviours, peer leadership behaviours and team cohesion.  A cross-sectional design was used and data was collected through self-assessment questionnaires of transformational leadership and team cohesion from 87 elite floorball players (59 females, 28 males). Age varied from 16 to 33 years (Mage = 22.4, SD = 3.87). Regression analyses revealed that both coach and peer transformational leadership predicted task cohesion, but coach transformational leadership had a stronger influence. There was no correlation between coach or peer transformational leadership and social cohesion. Independent t-tests indicate that female athletes tend to rate higher on peer transformational leadership and task cohesion. There were no gender differences regarding coach transformational leadership and social cohesion. The results from this study are discussed and a co-operation between coach and peer transformational leadership are purposed to increase task cohesion. Further research could refine which specific coach and peer transformational leadership behaviours that correlate to team cohesion, and further clarify the role gender might play.