Explanation of the Factors Affecting the Development of Social Responsibility of Iranian Elite Female Athletes on Cyberspace

Goudarzi, Mahdi; Shojaei, Asiye

doi:10.22089/rws.2025.18029.1067

Explanation of the Factors Affecting the Development of Social Responsibility of Iranian Elite Female Athletes on Cyberspace

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahdi Goudarzi ¹

Asiye Shojaei ²

¹ . Department of Sport Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Sport Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.22089/rws.2025.18029.1067

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
In contemporary society, virtual media has evolved into an indispensable tool used extensively worldwide for acquiring information. The rapid expansion of cyberspace entails that societal events are instantly and comprehensively reflected online, influencing public perception and interaction. Consequently, every society must develop social and cultural policies responsive to this novel phenomenon to prevent unintended social deviations indirectly. Simultaneously, there is intensifying pressure on sports institutions and professional athletes to uphold greater social responsibility—motivated by the imperative to maximize benefits to society and reinforce its core values. Elite athletes, as prominent role models within social fabric, bear heightened responsibility to embody positive social conduct, especially within virtual environments. Hence, the present study aims to elucidate the factors influencing the development of social responsibility among elite Iranian female athletes within cyberspace.

Methods
employing a descriptive-survey methodology and classified as applied research, the study targeted female athletes affiliated with national teams who had secured medals in Asian or World competitions or served as international coaches during 2020. Eligibility required maintenance of at least one active social media account with a follower base exceeding 10,000. Using purposive sampling in coordination with sports federations, 201 individuals were identified and invited to complete questionnaires, all of which were fully and accurately returned and included in the final analysis.
The instrument utilized was the Standard Questionnaire for Social Responsibility in Sports, developed by Niazi-Tabar et al. (2020). This 41-item questionnaire encompasses 11 dimensions: encouragement of social participation; respect for community laws; respect for cultural norms; adherence to traditions; role modeling; appropriate conduct with fans; clothing standards; awareness and knowledge; promotion of healthy lifestyles; commitment to sports clubs; and attention to communication and media engagement.
Face validity was assessed by faculty members from the Sports Management Department. Content validity was verified employing the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio, referencing Lavoisier’s critical table: the minimum acceptable Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was 0.78 at a 0.05 significance level for nine experts. Each item surpassed the CVI threshold of 0.78, while the overall CVR averaged 0.94, confirming strong content validity. Reliability was evaluated through a pilot involving 30 community members, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82.
For data analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed normality; exploratory factor analysis identified underlying components; Friedman’s ranking test compared factor importance; structural equation modeling (SEM) assessed the relationships among factors. SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS software facilitated the analytical processes.

Results
the analysis revealed that encouragement of social participation is a principal factor fostering social responsibility development among elite female athletes in cyberspace. Respect for community laws also prominently contributes to this development. Additionally, respect for societal culture and traditions emerged as significant predictive factors.
Further determinants included role modeling, appropriate attire, and conduct toward fans, underscoring the comprehensive behavioral expectations imposed on female athletes in digital arenas. Awareness and knowledge constituted another critical factor; athletes well-informed and educated on social issues are notably regarded more positively by both media and public audiences.
Promotion of a healthy lifestyle through content sharing, sports commitment to respective clubs, and media communication emerged as additional influential factors. For instance, athletes posting content related to family wellness, encouragement of regular physical activity, and lifestyle balance positively influence their social responsibility footprints online. Such activity is expected to maximize their impact on fans and followers.
The contractual and competitive commitments of athletes to their clubs also play a role. Posts emphasizing adherence to club contracts, competitive integrity, respect for competition rules, and advocacy for fair play reinforce social responsibility perceptions.
Lastly, communication and media factors were identified as pivotal, with media serving as a key stakeholder. Elite athletes are urged to fulfill their social responsibility through conscientious media engagement and message dissemination, thus fostering societal values.

Conclusion
The findings indicate that elite female athletes should actively model humanitarian behaviors by increasing visibility of charitable participation through images and posts, thereby encouraging communal engagement with philanthropic causes. Beyond compliance with societal laws and regulations, athletes should publicly embody respect for national and regional cultures and traditions by sharing intentional content that honors subcultures, rituals, and traditional celebrations within their digital platforms.
Furthermore, publishing content promoting healthy family life, highlighting family values, and advocating a balanced lifestyle alongside regular physical activity bolsters their social responsibility identity in cyberspace. Collectively, these actions enhance the positive influence of elite athletes within their communities and beyond.
Keywords: Social Responsibility, Iranian Elite Female Athletes, Cyberspace.

Article Message
Eleven distinct factors influence the cultivation of social responsibility among elite female athletes in cyberspace: encouraging social participation; respecting community laws, culture, and traditions; role modeling; appropriate fan interaction and attire; awareness and knowledge; promoting healthy lifestyles; club commitment; and focus on communication and media. To augment fan engagement, audience growth, and financial support in sports, it is imperative for female athletes to embrace and exemplify these dimensions of responsibility within virtual environments.
Ethical Considerations
all ethical guidelines were rigorously observed during the conduct of this research.
Authors’ Contributions
Data Collection: Asiye Shojaei
Conceptualization, Data Analysis, Manuscript Writing, Review and Editing, Funding Responsibility, Literature Review, Project Management: Mahdi Goudarzi
Conflict of Interest
this article comprises original research derived from a funded project. All authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments
The authors extend sincere thanks to all individuals and organizations that provided collaboration and support throughout this study.

Keywords

Social responsibility

Iranian elite female athletes

cyberspace

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