Coaching culture: an evidence review and framework for future research and practice

ABSTRACT

Given the colossal interest in creating ‘coaching cultures’, we update the 2014 literature review by Gormley and van Nieuwerburgh and extend this work by applying a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology. In doing so, we detangle definitions and the conditions under which ‘coaching cultures’ can be developed. We also explore contemporary interventions, report on organisational level outcomes, and comment on how progress is measured and evaluated. In total, 1453 papers were identified using a systematic search, of which 42 met our initial screening criteria and nine were eligible for inclusion in our final review. Findings show that we remain with an unclear understanding of ‘coaching culture’; there is still no agreed definition and the building blocks (i.e., the foundational elements, interventions, outcomes, and measures) remain ambiguous. We recommend a framework for future research and practice and highlight a gap in our understanding of stakeholders’ behavioural and cultural patterns vis-à-vis the design and development of coaching culture programmes.

KEYWORDS:

• Coaching culture
• systematic literature review
• organisational culture

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nick Kapoutzis

Nick Kapoutzis is a chartered occupational and coaching psychologist and organisational development professional working in the field of talent, leadership and organisational development and culture change. He is currently studying for a professional doctorate in occupational psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London.

Lilith A. Whiley

Lilith A. Whiley is a senior lecturer at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Lilith is an interdisciplinary researcher, bringing together psychology and Human Resource Management and is interested in the intersection of marginalised identities, health and work.

Jo Yarker

Jo Yarker is reader in occupational psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London and managing partners of Affinity Health at Work, an occupational psychology consultancy and research group. Both work and research in the area of well-being at work and are committed to building evidence-based practice in the field of occupational psychology.

Rachel Lewis

Rachel Lewis is reader in occupational psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London and managing partners of Affinity Health at Work, an occupational psychology consultancy and research group. Both work and research in the area of well-being at work and are committed to building evidence-based practice in the field of occupational psychology.