Castellers: The challenge of touching the sky - Teaching note

The case "Castellers: the challenge of touching the sky" explores the historical tradition of castells ("castles"), initiated in 1791 in Valls (Tarragona, Catalonia), and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon recognized by UNESCO.

Through the study of this practice, key issues such as the construction of human castles and the competition between the colles ('associations'), the importance of leadership and motivation, and the identification and management of talent are addressed. The complex internal organization of the colles and the impact of tradition on community cohesion and commitment are also discussed.

Readers will learn about the importance of teamwork, effective leadership and motivation in challenging contexts, and the preservation and adaptation of cultural traditions in a modern world. These lessons, cultivated over more than 200 years, provide an important example from which to draw valuable lessons applicable to the business world, demonstrating how collaboration, inspirational leadership, and talent management can drive organizational success.

Collection: IESE (España)
Ref: DPOT-132-E
Format: PDF
Number of pages: 11
Publication Date: Apr 25, 2025
Language: English

What material is included in this case:

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Description

The case "Castellers: the challenge of touching the sky" explores the historical tradition of castells ("castles"), initiated in 1791 in Valls (Tarragona, Catalonia), and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon recognized by UNESCO.

Through the study of this practice, key issues such as the construction of human castles and the competition between the colles ('associations'), the importance of leadership and motivation, and the identification and management of talent are addressed. The complex internal organization of the colles and the impact of tradition on community cohesion and commitment are also discussed.

Readers will learn about the importance of teamwork, effective leadership and motivation in challenging contexts, and the preservation and adaptation of cultural traditions in a modern world. These lessons, cultivated over more than 200 years, provide an important example from which to draw valuable lessons applicable to the business world, demonstrating how collaboration, inspirational leadership, and talent management can drive organizational success.

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Year: 2024
Geographic Setting: Spain
Industry Setting: Learning, education and culture

Learning Objective

The case can be approached in class discussion as follows:

  • Presentation of the case by the instructor:
    A brief presentation of the case that includes a summary of the Castells tradition, the history of the Colles, and the challenges and successes described. This will set the stage for discussion and help students understand the context and key issues.
  • Workshop facilitated by members of the colla:
    Organize an interactive workshop facilitated by members of the colla discussed in the case, who will share their personal and professional experiences and provide a practical and enriching perspective on the challenges of leadership, motivation, and organization in building castles. Participants will have the opportunity to feel how a Castell is built.
  • Virtual reality elements of the castles in Valls:
    Inclusion, to provide an immersive experience, of virtual reality (VR) elements that will allow participants to virtually observe and participate in the construction of castells in the town of Valls. This technology will help them visualize and better understand the dynamics and complexities involved.

    Peer discussion:
    Facilitate a discussion among participants to share their reflections and learnings from the case. This exchange of ideas will allow them to analyze different perspectives, deepen the concepts discussed, and apply the lessons learned to business contexts.

    Conclusion
    An immersive experience helps to solidify and sustain learning, ensuring that participants can effectively apply the lessons learned in their own business contexts.
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"Castellers: The challenge of touching the sky - Teaching note"