Abstract

This contribution describes the decisions and actions taken by the Torino Organizing Committee for the XX Olympic Winter Games. The events presented in the case are analyzed in the light of different theoretical perspectives in order to reflect on the planning process of a unique event, one that could not be postponed or delayed, such as the Olympic Games. This work is aimed neither at identifying best practices leading to successful events, nor at implementing a checklist for future operators involved in the organization of next Olympic Games; instead, through developing different theoretical interpretations, this paper proposes an organizational discussion about relevant phenomena and fosters a reflection on wider issues related to organizational design and people management in unique events.