Soft and Hard Skills in the Management of Physical Activity and Sports: An Empirical Study in Ibero-America

Objective: This study aimed to identify the key soft and hard skills that shape the professional profile of physical activity and sports managers in Ibero-American contexts, providing criteria to strengthen professional training and sector-wide professionalization. Methods: A mixed-method descriptive design was employed using a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 233 managers from Mexico, Colombia, and Spain. Data were collected through a 16-item questionnaire, which underwent psychometric validation using Fleiss’ kappa coefficient to assess inter-rater agreement and Cronbach’s alpha to estimate internal consistency. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted using SPSS and ATLAS.ti, respectively. Results: The findings revealed that 75% of the identified competencies correspond to soft (human) skills, with assertive communication, leadership, empathy, and teamwork emerging as the most prominent. Among hard skills, resource management, planning, organization, and time management were most frequently emphasized. Overall, the results indicate a hybrid managerial profile in which the balanced integration of soft and hard skills enhances both operational effectiveness and strategic capacity. Conclusion: Effective management in physical activity and sport requires a comprehensive professional profile that integrates socio-emotional and technical competencies. These findings provide empirical evidence to inform educational curricula, training policies, and professional development initiatives across Ibero-America, thereby promoting innovation and sustainability within sports organizations.