Management Concepts & Organizational Behavior

24GM11

Movie Based Learning

REMEMBER THE TITANS

TEAM 5

Angelin Therus R 24AB03

Kaarthik Hari 24AB13

Ramya Bharathi 24AB30

Rogini KS 24AB32

Senthilkumar B 24AB35

Varshaa D 24AB45
 SYNOPSIS OF THE MOVIE
NAME: Remembering The Titans
Director: Boaz Yakin
Genre: sport/drama
Year: 2000
Based on true story of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia,1971

Set in the early 1970’s, Remember the Titans is based on a true story of T.C Williams high
school in Alexandria, Virginia, which was just then integrated to enforce coloured and white
students to attend school together. This change was engaged as an appointment of a black coach
for the infamous football team of the high school. This film follows intense journey as they
navigate the challenges in getting together.

At the centre of the story is the African American man, coach Boone who was hired to replace
the well esteemed white coach Yoast, as head coach for that year. At first the decision was
resentful by both where Yoast was supposedly to get in the hall of fame as head coach whereas
the guilt consumed Boone to take over the esteemed position as someone in the past did the
same thing to him. Eventually Yoast realized that he had to give up his title so as to work closely
with his team which he groomed over years as the assistant of boone this year.

This change was not welcomed by the team members as well as the public who looked over at
Yoast. As Yoast and boone worked together, they faced a lot of struggles in their styles of
leadership. Boone, is tough towards the team members as they were black and had no sympathy
for them from the world and he believed being aggressive is the only way where he could protect
them from the society. He exhibits this behaviour by making the team run early at 3am to a place
called Gettysburg as a part of two-week training programme, he makes sure the whites and
blacks are being treated equally. He took them to Gettysburg, an historic civil war battle field
where the same racial fight was fought leading to many deaths of young bloods. Slowly after
the moving inspirational speech at Gettysburg, the players started to get along despite the racial
stereotypes enforced on them by their families, friends and partners.

Key relationship develops between two players, Captain Gerry Bertier, a white player and Julius
Campbell, a black player. Their initial interactions were filled with anger, misunderstanding of
their culture and hatred. They criticised each others’ strategies which eventually led to stronger
bond between them. They started to respect, trust and work as a team.

The climax was filled with nail-biting scenes where the team lost its very captain, Bertier to an
accident. They had to win despite the struggles faced by them, they played to their strengths and
the climax became the perfect example of sportsmanship among the team. They delegated their
strengths and weakness and brought in strategies to help each other, showing a sign of progress
and unity.

Overall, remember the titans is a powerful film encompassing importance of brotherhood

among social struggles. It delivers strong message about teamwork, leadership, empathy to
overcome deeply ingrained prejudices.

Character Traits:

Trait/Theme Character(s) Key Traits Organizational Behavior

Assertive, visionary, Exemplifies transformational

Coach Herman
Leadership disciplined, leadership by uniting a diverse
Boone
transformational team around shared goals.

Demonstrates servant leadership

Coach Bill Supportive, empathetic,
by prioritizing players' well-being
Yoast collaborative
over personal ambitions.

Shows inclusivity by prioritizing

Teamwork and Gerry Bertier Determined,
team success over personal biases,
Collaboration (Captain) influential, adaptable
fostering collaboration.

Builds trust among teammates and

Julius Confident, principled,
fosters cohesion by confronting
Campbell resilient
issues directly.

Highlights the role of inclusion

Open-mindedness,
Managing and emotional intelligence in
Entire team cultural intelligence,
Diversity overcoming biases and fostering
empathy
unity.
 Trait/Theme Character(s) Key Traits Organizational Behavior

Demonstrates finding common

Coaches
Conflict Communication, ground to resolve workplace
Boone and
Resolution patience, empathy conflicts and ensure team
Yoast
alignment.

Reflects intrinsic and extrinsic

Motivation and Perseverance, self-
Team members motivation driving team
Commitment motivation, passion
performance and commitment.

Illustrates how adaptability is

Resilience and Entire team Flexibility, growth essential for overcoming
Adaptability and coaches mindset challenges in dynamic
environments.

I. LEADERSHIP STYLES:

1. Authoritative Leadership - Coach Boone

• Coach Boone, employs an authoritative leadership style. As an African American head
coach newly appointed to lead a racially integrated football team, Boone faces
immense pressure. He sets high expectations and establishes a clear vision for the
team: to overcome racial tensions and win.
• Examples:
He demands discipline and respect, often pushing players beyond their comfort zones. For
instance, during gruelling training sessions at camp, he forces players to confront their biases,
such as when he makes them learn about each other during the long run to Gettysburg.
Boone’s firm yet fair approach earns him respect as the team recognizes his commitment to
their collective success.

2. Democratic Leadership - Coach Bill Yoast

• Coach Yoast, the former head coach and now Boone's assistant, adopts a democratic
leadership style. He values collaboration and often listens to his players, particularly
during moments of conflict or doubt.
• Examples:
 Yoast builds trust by defending his players. In one scene, he risks his Hall of Fame nomination
by standing up to referees who are biased against the team. This action showcases his moral
integrity and dedication to fairness.
He also works alongside Boone, supporting his decisions but offering advice, showing his
ability to lead collaboratively.

3. Transformational Leadership - Both Coaches

• Together, Boone and Yoast exhibit transformational leadership by inspiring their team
to transcend personal and social prejudices. They focus on team cohesion, aiming for
not only athletic success but also personal growth and unity.
• Examples:
Their combined efforts result in a cultural shift within the team, as players like Gerry Bertier
and Julius Campbell overcome their initial hostility and form a deep friendship, symbolizing
the team’s broader transformation.
By the end of the movie, the players have become a cohesive unit, illustrating the
transformative impact of their leadership.

II. MOTIVATION THEORIES:

Coach boone exhibited empathy and enforced empathy in the manner where his personal
struggles as An African American man motivated the players to look for longer vision to work
as a team
1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• This theory posits that people are motivated by fulfilling a hierarchy of needs, from
basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
• Examples:

• Physiological Needs: The players' initial focus is on their physical performance—staying

fit and maintaining stamina during rigorous training.
• Safety Needs: The integration of the team occurs during a time of racial tension. Both
black and white players face external threats (e.g., protests, societal pressure) and need to
feel safe within the team environment.
• Belongingness and Love: As the team bonds, players seek acceptance from one another,
moving beyond racial divides. Relationships like the friendship between Gerry and Julius
highlight this need.
 • Esteem Needs: Through hard work and recognition, players gain confidence and respect
from their peers and community.
• Self-Actualization: By the end, the players and coaches achieve personal growth,
overcoming biases and becoming their best selves, both on and off the field.

2. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory

• This theory distinguishes between hygiene factors (which prevent dissatisfaction) and
motivators (which drive satisfaction).
• Examples:

• Hygiene Factors: Boone and Yoast ensure a fair environment by addressing the team’s
initial conflicts and eliminating biases within their coaching staff and referees.
• Motivators: Recognition and personal growth play a huge role. Boone’s inspiring speeches
and the sense of accomplishment from winning games motivate the players to push
themselves further.

3. Expectancy Theory
• Context: This theory posits that motivation is based on the expectation that effort will
lead to desired performance and outcomes.
• Examples:

• Boone makes it clear that if players work hard and follow his instructions, they will win
games. The players gradually believe that their effort directly contributes to team success,
motivating them to put in maximum effort.

• For example, during training camp, Boone tells them that unity and discipline will lead to
victories, and as they see results on the field, their motivation increases.

III. GROUP DYNAMICS CONCEPT:

1. Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development

This theory outlines five stages of group development: Forming, Storming, Norming,
Performing, and Adjourning. The movie provides vivid examples of these stages.
Context in the Movie:
• Forming:
When the team first meets, players are cautious and uncertain, testing the waters.
 Boone and Yoast are figuring out how to work together, while the players keep to their
racial groups.
The initial meeting at training camp shows players reluctant to interact across
racial lines, highlighting the awkward and tentative "forming" stage.
• Storming:
Tensions flare as players and coaches clash. This stage is marked by conflict and
competition.
Fights break out during practice, and Gerry Bertier confronts Julius Campbell,
blaming him for not cooperating. This represents the power struggles and
resistance to change.
• Norming:
Gradually, trust builds, and players start to form bonds. They understand their roles
within the team.
After Boone’s intense Gettysburg speech, players reflect on their shared
purpose, leading to key moments like Gerry and Julius forming a friendship.
• Performing:
The team operates efficiently, overcoming external and internal challenges to perform
at a high level.
By the end of the season, the Titans work seamlessly on the field, supporting
each other regardless of race, exemplified during the climactic games.
• Adjourning:
Although not explicitly shown, the team disperses after the season ends, but their
bonds and lessons endure.

2. Social Identity Theory

This theory explains how individuals derive a sense of identity and self-worth from their
group memberships. In the movie, the players initially align themselves with their racial
groups, but over time, they adopt a shared identity as "Titans."
• At the start, black and white players stick to their groups, fostering an "us vs. them"
mentality.
For example, during the bus seating scene, Boone forces the players to integrate by sitting
with someone of a different race, sparking initial discomfort but laying the groundwork for a
shared team identity.
 As the season progresses, moments like Gerry and Julius leading the team in chants
demonstrate how the players embrace their shared identity. The team’s unified chant, “We are
the Titans,” symbolizes their collective identity and solidarity, transcending individual
.
IV. Organizational Culture

1) Schein’s Model of Organizational Culture

• Theory: This model identifies three levels of culture: artifacts, espoused values, and
basic assumptions.
• Context in the Movie:
Artifacts: Visible symbols, such as the Titan chant and team uniform, represent
the evolving culture.
Espoused Values: Boone emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and equality as core
values.
Basic Assumptions: Over time, the team internalizes the belief that unity and
respect are essential for success.
2. Cultural Dimensions Theory (Hofstede)
• Theory: This framework identifies cultural dimensions such as individualism vs.
collectivism.
• Context in the Movie:
Initially, players exhibit individualistic tendencies, focusing on personal or
racial group success. Boone fosters a collectivist culture, emphasizing team
unity.
By the end of the movie, the players prioritize the team’s success over
individual interests, showing a shift toward collectivism.

V. COMMUNICATION THEORIES

1. Johari Window
• Theory: This model focuses on self-awareness and interpersonal relationships through
four quadrants: open, hidden, blind, and unknown.
 • Context in the Movie:
layers gradually increase their "open" quadrant as they learn more about each
other, breaking down barriers and fostering trust.
Boone’s exercise at camp, where players must learn personal details about each
other, exemplifies this process.
2) Transactional Model of Communication
• Theory: Emphasizes the continuous, dynamic exchange of messages between
individuals.
• Context in the Movie:
Communication breakdowns initially lead to conflicts, but as players improve
their communication skills, they become more effective on and off the field.
During games, the team’s ability to communicate seamlessly is a key factor in
their success.

VI. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

1. Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Framework

• Theory: EI consists of five components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation,
empathy, and social skills.
• Context in the Movie:
Self-Awareness: Gerry realizes his own biases when he confronts his teammate
Ray for not blocking properly.
Empathy and Social Skills: Boone fosters empathy among players by forcing
them to learn about each other’s backgrounds.
Gerry and Julius exhibit high EI when they set aside personal prejudices and
work together, eventually forming a deep friendship.

2. Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model

• Theory: This model outlines steps for leading change, such as creating urgency,
forming a powerful coalition, and anchoring new approaches in the culture.
• Context in the Movie:
 Boone creates a sense of urgency by emphasizing the stakes of the season (win
or lose respect and unity).
The players form a powerful coalition, led by Gerry and Julius, to drive cultural
change within the team.
The symbolic chant “We are the Titans” demonstrates the final step of
anchoring the change in the team’s culture.

CONCLUSION
Remember the Titans tells the story of a divided football team coming together under strong
leadership and shared goals. Initially, the team struggles with conflict, reflecting the Storming
phase of group development. Through Boone’s transformational leadership, the players begin
to trust one another, moving into the Norming and Performing stages.
Motivation plays a key role as Boone sets challenging goals, aligning with Goal-Setting
Theory, while fostering fairness and respect, ensuring everyone feels valued. Over time, the
team adopts a shared identity, breaking down racial barriers and proving that unity and
purpose can turn a group of individuals into a cohesive, unstoppable force.