Fostering the Motivational Climate of a Team : A Case Study of the Organisation Environment of a Football Team

Abstract: Football management is a science that has exploded in social and economic relevance in the past years (Morrow, 2003). Management of the football team has become increasingly important and has focused on motivational aspects within a team setting. One key characteristic of a successful football manager is arguably his/her ability to motivate players within a team to often operate at and above their potential (Perry, 2000). Due to the specialisation of football management in motivational aspects within a team setting, football management offers potential insights for general  management practice regarding maximising performance from members of a team. In this investigation, the organisation environment of a football team, which is the managerial formed organisational factors such as team structure, processes and communication patterns, will be assessed in relation to its ability to motivate team members through motivational theories (LaFasto & Larsson, 2001). This investigation took an explorative nature, aiming to contribute to existing literature within team management practices. Interviews with football managers and surveys with football players contributed with new findings into a science that has experienced limited previous research (Forslund, 2010). This investigation found that football management employs a number of practical techniques to promote a positive motivational climate within their teams. Members of football teams are largely positively motivated due to management’s ability to clarify roles, responsibilities, expectations, values and goals. Therefore, promoting a collective identity, that is supported by management to constantly improve and develop.