Do management teams throughout New Zealand rugby apply a learning organisation model to drive performance?

Abstract

RESEARCH SUB-QUESTIONS RSQ 1: Does New Zealand Rugby use a management model to lead teams? RSQ 2: What are the key principles for managing rugby teams? RSQ 3: What is the focus of the management model used by NZ rugby? RSQ 4: How is performance defined by management teams? RSQ 5: How can the organisational structure of the team facilitate a continuous improvement model based on learning?

This research identifies a learning organisation model in New Zealand rugby teams and describes the trust-based, player-centered management model on which rugby teams in New Zealand operate. This model relies on a continuous reflection and review process enhanced using leadership groups, player groups, and the incorporation of technology. The open and ongoing communication process within the teams, not only helped develop leadership, but it generated learning through various channels in the team.

The overall purpose of this research was to explore whether management teams at different levels of rugby in New Zealand apply a learning organisation model to drive performance. Coaches and managers at the 1st XV, Club Premiere and National Provincial Championship level were interviewed. Using a thematic analysis five themes were identified: communication, leadership groups, coaching and management model, reflection and review process and principles driving New Zealand rugby. These principles were communication, trust, enjoyment, player-centered approach and continuous learning.

The findings identified a learning organisation structure in the coaching and management model used by New Zealand rugby teams. They also found the widespread use of messaging groups and technology across the teams, and their reflection and review processes, drove the continuous learning. A key to the learning organisation structure were the leadership groups. This research provides an explicit description of the management model used by rugby teams in New Zealand, which can inform future coaching and management. Future research can be undertaken to explore the quality of the learning and communication within New Zealand rugby teams and the effectiveness of leadership groups in management structures.