The coaching model derivation process: combining grounded theory and canonical action research for developing coaching models

ABSTRACT

Coaching as a practice borrows from many related fields. The problem is that most of the coaching models in use have not been tested or validated for the coaching context. If coaching is to be taken seriously, it needs to derive its own models that are methodologically rigorous, theoretically grounded and empirically informed. The Coaching Model Derivation Process (CMDP) offers a possible solution. The CMDP is a five-step conceptual process that combines grounded theory principles and canonical action research to systematically create rigorous, empirically-based and domain-specific coaching models. By following the CMDP, coaching researchers can derive coaching models that are fit for purpose given a specific coaching problem domain. These models can, in turn, be used by coaching practitioners in situations where a focussed coaching approach is needed to address a known problem situation. It is hoped that through using empirically derived coaching models, coaching efficacy could be improved and moreover, the perception challenged that coaching practice is not evidence-based.

KEYWORDS:

• Coaching model
• grounded theory
• canonical action research
• executive coaching
• research methodology

Notes on the contributor

Dr Nicky Terblanche is a senior lecturer and research supervisor on the MBA, MPhil Coaching and Ph.D. programmes at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), South Africa. His academic interests include both business coaching and information system. He also runs an executive and business coaching practice and consults as an IT architect. He has an MPhil in Management Coaching, an MScEng in electronic engineering and a Ph.D. in Business Management at USB.

His research interests include transition coaching, transformative learning, Social Network Analysis, complexity theory and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in coaching and management. He has published in a number of academic journals and presented at a number of international conferences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.