Exploring the social network of parent-athlete-coach (PAC) from the perspective of confucian culture in Taiwan

The parent-athlete-coach (PAC) triadic relationship is crucial for the development of athletes. The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of Confucian cultural values on the PAC social network and the implications of that influence for athlete development, with a focus on three key Confucian cultural characteristics: collectivism, sense of obligation, and authoritative orientation. Interviews and qualitative content analysis were conducted with two top Taiwanese women’s amateur boxing teams. The findings reveal that, within the Confucian cultural context, PAC social networks are characterised by a hierarchical structure and profound respect for authority. This overarching framework compels members to perpetually align their role obligations and authority. This structure undergoes a process of gradual dissolution and evolution, which in turn gives rise to a modification of network positions and interaction patterns among its members. It established informal norms of high-quality trust, thereby facilitating athlete development.