The coaching dance applied: training Chinese managers to coach

ABSTRACT

Through exploring the implementation of a manager-coach training programme, built on a foundation of Chinese culture, in a Chinese education environment, this paper explores a predominantly non-directive coaching model and its positive impact on knowledge exchange and innovation. Whilst acknowledging the continued call from some quarters for the use of a directive approach to coaching in mainland China, this paper explores the positive relationship between the non-directive approach and the socialisation of knowledge amongst teachers. The article also sheds light on how the ‘Coaching Dance’ can facilitate movement towards a more non-directive approach to enhance knowledge exchange allowing Chinese managers to elicit a promotion-focus and positive career behaviours from coachees. The paper offers some evidence that a predominantly non-directive approach can positively impact knowledge exchange and socialisation when a multitiered approach to coaching is deployed in a Confucian environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Change management
• knowledge management
• innovation
• knowledge socialisation
• coaching
• team coaching
• internal coaching
• manager coach

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the significant support of Professor Bob Thomson for his training and support over the years in mastering the coaching dance. The authors also acknowledge the team’s support at Mr. Elmer, LLC for their support in data capture through the deployment of Intervention Compass.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William Percy

William Percy has over a decade of experience working and leading in professional learning and development environments in mainland China and supporting organisations that seek to share knowledge and innovate across cultures. An accredited Master Executive Coach and Chartered member of the CIPD, Will has a passion for people analytics and experiential learning.

Kevin Dow

Kevin Dow is a Professor of Accounting Information Systems at the University of Auckland. He received his PhD from the University of South Carolina and his MS in Analytics from Columbia University. Dr Dow’s research focuses on applying predictive analytics and machine learning to help solve business issues. His work has appeared in many internationally ranked journals, and his work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences.