Humatrix Research Insight – Self-Perception vs. External Perception Within the Club

In a mixed-methods study, Humatrix examined how the self-image of club leadership and coaching staff differs from the external perception held by employees and external stakeholders. The aim was to uncover perception gaps that can weaken organizations over the long term.

The findings reveal a clear pattern:

• Management’s self-perception: Leaders view their communication as open, modern, and transparent.

• Employees’ external perception: Many perceive that same communication as unclear, top-down, and incomplete.

• Coaching staff vs. management: While coaches often experience structures as rigid and bureaucratic, management sees them as stabilizing.

• Stakeholder perspective: Sponsors and external partners expect professionalism, yet report inconsistent messages and changing points of contact.

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Consequence: These perception gaps lead to loss of trust, misunderstandings, and a culture of mutual blame.

Our analysis makes one thing visible: the problem is not reality itself, but the discrepancy in how it is perceived.

Humatrix offers solution-oriented approaches for this:

• Systematic assessment of self-perception and external perception through questionnaires and interviews

• Scientific comparison of the results

• Joint reflection processes that make blind spots visible

• Development of communication strategies that take all perspectives into account

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Conclusion: Clubs that align their self-image with how they are perceived by others gain credibility, build trust, and create a shared foundation for success.