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**Title: An Analytical Review of Organizational Dynamics in “Overcomer”**
**Introduction**
“Overcomer,” directed by Alex Kendrick in 2019, delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the power of faith through the lens of a high school cross-country coach and his charge, a young woman grappling with her own personal challenges. The film not only tells an inspiring story but also serves as an intriguing case study for organizational analysis, particularly in its depiction of a local school and community sports organization. This essay provides an analytical exploration of the organization depicted in “Overcomer,” particularly focusing on the unit of analysis within the film. Furthermore, it identifies and discusses the integration of five organizational theories, constructs, or models that illuminate the dynamics within the organization.
**Definition of Organization and Unit of Analysis**
In “Overcomer,” the primary organization can be defined as the local high school, which encompasses the coaching staff, students, and the broader community. This organization operates within the educational sector and serves as a microcosm of societal interactions, values, and aspirations. The unit of analysis here is the team dynamics within the cross-country team, led by coach John Harrison (played by Alex Kendrick), and the interactions between the coaching staff, athletes, and their families.
The film emphasizes the challenges that arise when the school’s basketball program—a more traditionally celebrated sport—faces a decline in participation, leading to the emergence of the cross-country team. The narrative structure allows viewers to observe how the organization responds to both internal and external pressures as it works toward improving the lives of its athletes, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Hannah Scott (played by Aryn Wright-Thompson), a runner striving for identity and purpose.
**1. Organizational Behavior Theory**
One of the most evident organizational theories displayed in “Overcomer” is Organizational Behavior (OB) Theory. This theory emphasizes understanding individual and group behavior within professional settings. The interactions among Coach John Harrison, his players, and the wider community showcase how behavior is influenced by organizational culture.
For instance, Harrison must adapt his coaching style upon realizing that the athletes on his team come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The OB theory suggests that positive behavior not only affects individual performance but also impacts team cohesion and morale. As depicted in the film, Coach Harrison’s journey of self-discovery and embracing a servant leadership approach fosters a supportive environment for the team, enhancing motivation and team spirit.
Harrison’s interactions with his players, particularly Hannah, illustrate how supportive leadership can significantly influence organizational effectiveness (Robinson, 2006). By focusing on character development and personal growth rather than solely athletic achievement, the organization nurtures a more profound sense of belonging and purpose (Leadership Today, 2021).
**2. Transformational Leadership Theory**
Transformational Leadership Theory posits that leaders can inspire and motivate followers to exceed their own self-interests for the sake of the organization and its goals. Coach Harrison epitomizes a transformational leader; he transcends traditional coaching roles by investing emotionally and spiritually in his athletes’ lives.
In “Overcomer,” Harrison’s leadership goes beyond training for races. He empowers Hannah to confront her insecurities and challenges, subsequently transforming her outlook on life. He serves as a mentor, imparting lessons that transcend athletics, including the importance of self-worth grounded in faith rather than performance (Kendrick Brothers, 2019).
This conceptualization of leadership aligns with Bass’s transformational leadership model, which emphasizes idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (Bass & Avolio, 1994). Harrison’s commitment to guiding his athletes through personal struggles epitomizes these constructs, demonstrating how leaders can catalyze profound change within their organizations.
**3. Systems Theory**
Systems Theory explores how entities operate within interrelated systems, emphasizing that organizations are complex and dynamic webs of interactions. “Overcomer” illustrates this theory through its portrayal of the high school functioning as an integrated system consisting of various stakeholders, including students, coaches, families, and the community.
The film highlights how changes within the school — from the dwindling basketball team to the formation of a new cross-country team — significantly impact the broader educational environment. As the cross-country team grows, the community rallies around it, showcasing the interconnectedness between the organization and its environment (von Bertalanffy, 1968). Each team member’s success or failure resonates throughout the organization, influencing spirit, attendance, and support.
Moreover, the film illustrates feedback loops typical in systems theory; Harrison and his team constantly adapt and respond to internal feedback from performances and external factors such as community perception and support (Richmond, 1996). This interconnected approach encourages a more holistic understanding of organizational changes, making clear that minor adjustments can lead to significant transformations within the system.
**4. Social Identity Theory**
The Social Identity Theory explains how individuals define themselves in relation to groups, impacting their behavior within organizations. In “Overcomer,” the formation of the cross-country team serves as a catalyst for building a shared identity among its members.
Hannah Scott, initially struggling with her performance and sense of belonging, ultimately finds her identity not through individual achievement but as a valued member of the cross-country team. This shared experience fosters camaraderie and mutual support, demonstrating how group dynamics can facilitate personal development and resilience (Tajfel & Turner, 1979).
As the team endures challenges together, their collective identity strengthens. This offer of unity contrasts previous isolating experiences in the film, reinforcing the role of social identity in creating a positive organizational culture. By emphasizing team spirit and shared goals, the film underscores how a supportive group can empower individuals to overcome personal adversity and find their place within the broader community.
**5. Organizational Culture Theory**
Finally, Organizational Culture Theory focuses on the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape organizational interactions. In “Overcomer,” the culture of the high school, particularly the cross-country team, reflects values of faith, resilience, and community support.
The cultural transformation within the organization becomes evident as Coach Harrison instills a values-based approach to coaching. The film underscores the importance of cultivating a culture that prioritizes character development alongside athletic prowess (Schein, 2010). Harrison emphasizes identity rooted in faith rather than achievements, shaping a culture that values personal growth and collective support, fostering stronger relationships between players and their coach.
As the team rallies together, the shared culture also intertwines with the community’s values, reinforcing the narrative that support, faith, and perseverance are vital in overcoming life’s challenges.
**Conclusion**
“Overcomer” serves as a powerful narrative that portrays the complexities of organizational dynamics through the lens of a high school cross-country team. The film illustrates various organizational theories, constructs, and models, including Organizational Behavior Theory, Transformational Leadership, Systems Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Organizational Culture Theory. These systems intertwine to create a narrative that promotes resilience, faith, and the importance of community within organizations.
The representation of the organization in “Overcomer,” alongside its emotional and motivational elements, encapsulates essential principles of effective leadership and positive organizational development. By understanding these theoretical frameworks, one can appreciate the depth of character and collective growth portrayed in the film, affirming the importance of identity and purpose in personal and organizational success.
**References**
1. Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). “Improving Organizational Effectiveness Through Transformational Leadership.” Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0018726794266002
2. Kendrick Brothers. (2019). “Overcomer.” Retrieved from https://www.kendrickbros.com/overcomer
3. Leadership Today. (2021). “The Importance of Positive Leadership.” Retrieved from https://www.leadershiptoday.com/the-importance-of-positive-leadership/
4. Richmond, B. (1996). “Quantitative Models for the Development of Systems Thinking Skills.” Retrieved from http://www.1000stories.org/learn/richmond-research
5. Schein, E. H. (2010). “Organizational Culture and Leadership.” Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Culture-Leadership-3rd/dp/0470190604
6. Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). “An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict.” Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1982-07697-001
7. von Bertalanffy, L. (1968). “General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications.” Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/General-System-Theory-Foundations-Applications/dp/0201032009
By integrating these theoretical frameworks, the film not only narrates a compelling story but also imparts valuable lessons about the nature of organizations and the human spirit.
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