Sunday, 5 April 2009

Spygate, Liegate and Water(gate)

Although the early cancellation of today's F1 race in Malaysia due to heavy rain may have been the day's biggest highlight, the McLaren team's conduct is yet again being called into question. Following the 'Spygate' row of a couple of years ago, the spotlight is now on the team again following allegations that they instructed Lewis Hamilton to lie to race stewards following the first race of the season in Australia. Notwithstanding the moral and philosophical dimensions of the McLaren team's behaviour, there have surely got to be some major team management issues which they have got to get to grips with? Is the team's organisational culture one that fosters a 'win at all costs' mentality? If so, how does this impact upon the drivers, the technical and managerial staff, and McLaren's relationship with the other F1 teams? If the team's culture is not 'win at all costs', then how is the constant scrutiny of and allegations against them influencing motivation and morale? Indeed, given that a senior member of the team has now been suspended by McLaren following recent events, could it be said that the team's culture (as well as its values, vision, management style and strategy) is actually tearing McLaren apart?

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