Developing a winning sport team culture: organizational culture in theory and practice. Issue 8 (3rd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cole, Jason; Martin, Andrew J.
• Is Part Of: Sport in society. Volume 21:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1204
• Page End: 1222
• Publication Date: 2018-08-03
• Subjects: Sports -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 306.48305
• DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2018.1442197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0437

Abstract

Abstract: This case study reviews strategies for identifying, establishing and influencing sport team culture and leadership, based on Edgar Schein's three-level theoretical model of organizational culture integrating artefacts, values and beliefs and core assumptions. Specifically, we examine the success of a professional rugby team in New Zealand, the 2014 ITM Cup champions, the Manawatu Turbos. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with past and present coaches ( N = 3) and captains ( N = 3). Key findings include the need to formally recognize culture, including establishing and reinforcing values, as a tangible element of sport team management practice. A flat organization structure has helped facilitate a suitable environment for collective leadership to flourish. Implications for sport and business teams are the need to acknowledge culture as a core component, and conduct a culture audit to establish the current and desired culture through an aligned combination of informal and formal transformational leadership.