1.6 Power and culture
Abuse and inequality are directly linked to the misuse of power. People may have power over others for lots of different reasons, for example, if they are older, of a particular gender, have a leadership role, or have an influence over what happens to someone (like the coach who selects the team).
People in leadership roles can have a really big impact on the culture of an organisation because of the power and influence they have.
Consider the impact of the behaviour and values of people in leadership roles
Imagine an organisation where decisions are generally made by a small group of individuals with little or no input from others. Policies and instructions are simply issued to staff, and the focus is on complying rather than effectiveness.
List some of the ways you think this culture may impact on the approach of coaches and the experiences of athletes. We have provided a suggestion for each one to get you going:
| Coach behaviour/attitude | Athletes’ experience |
|---|---|
| Adopt a ‘listen and do what I say’ approach. | Realising that doing what the coach says defines whether you are a ‘good’ team member. |
Comment
Here are our suggestions:
Coach behaviour/attitude:
- Adopt a ‘listen and do what I say’ approach.
- Issues instructions and expects instructions to be followed.
- Doesn’t seek any feedback from athletes or parents.
- Resists change and doesn’t adapt their coaching to circumstances.
- Interprets players with opinions or those making suggestions as ‘difficult’.
Athletes’ experience:
- Realising that doing what the coach says defines whether you are a ‘good’ team member.
- Only silent obedient athletes receive praise.
- Self-expression is discouraged.
- Athletes have no way to raise issues or concerns.
- Athletes are restricted to defined roles – directed by coaches.
- Parents are encouraged to help keep children in line.
This is a very basic example of how an organisation’s culture – established by leadership – can have implications for coaching approaches and athlete experiences.
1.5 Why is culture important?
