The Mapp Way: Success through Combining the Motivational and Caring Climates

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore one exemplar female coach’s environment to understand how various climates were enacted and incorporated into coaching practice. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, researchers conducted intensive interviews with a Division III coach and 12 former athletes regarding their experiences of the team climate. Six categories were revealed highlighting the task-involving, structured, autonomy-supportive, and caring climates. Additionally, two broader concepts, effective communication and a caring environment, appeared providing an example of how one coach authentically developed a team culture and how the motivational and caring climates might work synergistically within that larger culture.

Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to thank Coach Mapp for her willingness to share her coaching experiences and for the athletes who shared their stories and experiences with Coach Mapp.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by an internal research grant at Bridgewater College and the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Mednick Memorial Fellowship.