Abstract

We reviewed the experience of eleven women rowers who reached their peak performance winning multiple gold medals across multiple events and boat classes in the 1992 Olympics. The case study, based on interviews, group discussions, and participant observation, reviewed their development from 1988 to 1992 and identified non-hierarchical values, structures, and environments as integral to their performance. Our research builds on Edgar Schein’s organizational culture model, which asserts that fundamental assumptions underlie governing values and beliefs that manifest in various cultural organizational artifacts, such as leadership practices, team process, structures, mechanisms, and routines. The study discusses the interaction of coach and athlete roles with both roles being agents in cultural development.