An exploration of Outward Bound New Zealand's organisational culture

This article examines the key factors of organisational culture (artefacts, values and beliefs, and core assumptions) that have led to the development of Outward Bound New Zealand (OBNZ) over the past 50years. Primary data for this case study were obtained through the use of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with past and present school and executive directors. A key finding is that OBNZ, founded on the beliefs of the German educator Kurt Hahn, has reviewed its values and formalised these into the fundamentals' of greatness, compassion, responsibility and integrity. Important visible symbols of the OBNZ brand are the badge, the logo with to serve, to strive and not to yield' and the cutter. The core assumption is still focused on self-discovery and the Outward Bound motto there's more to you than you think'. Internationally, Outward Bound course length has declined to just 4days compared with OBNZ's average of 14days. In contrast, OBNZ has remained true to Hahn's original belief, the fundamental' values, core assumptions and the Standard/Classic (three-week) course. These findings have implications for the development of outdoor adventure education and business organisations' culture and leadership.