Background: Globally, business coaching is an unregulated industry that is not yet considered a profession. In South Africa, two of the regulatory bodies, namely Coaches and Mentors of South Africa and the Institute of Management Consultants and Master Coaches of South Africa, were recognised as professional non-statutory bodies in 2015. Aim: The purpose of this study is to inquire into how business coaching is currently being practised in South Africa from a practitioner’s perspective. Setting: At this key point in the maturation process of business coaching, it is important to understand the present state of the industry in order to direct it towards its aim of becoming a profession. Method: A questionnaire was designed specifically for this research. It included all aspects associated with the coaching practice. Questionnaires were presented to all members of the professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa. Results: The findings are in line with the results of similar studies conducted elsewhere in the world. They revealed that business coaching is a young industry that attracts practitioners from different backgrounds. The recommendations of these studies support the notion that business coaching must move towards professionalisation. The information acquired through this research can contribute to the development of a score sheet for the industry in South Africa, as well as a progression plan to direct the industry towards professionalisation. Conclusion: The article provides information regarding the current state of business coaching in South Africa and links it with international tendencies. It shows that South Africa is on par with the development of the industry globally.

中文翻译：

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商业教练：一只有小鸭的母鸡

背景：在全球范围内，企业教练是一个不受管制的行业，尚未被视为专业。在南非，2015年，两个监管机构，即南非的教练和导师以及南非的管理顾问和教练协会，被公认为是专业的非法定机构。目的：本研究的目的是：从实践者的角度询问南非目前如何进行商业教练。背景：在业务指导成熟过程的这一关键点上，了解行业的现状很重要，以便将其导向成为职业的目标。方法：专门为此研究设计问卷。它包括与教练实践有关的所有方面。向南非专业人士的教练和指导者发放了问卷。结果：这些发现与世界其他地方进行的类似研究的结果一致。他们发现，企业教练是一个年轻的行业，吸引了来自不同背景的从业者。这些研究的建议支持以下观点：业务教练必须朝着专业化方向发展。通过这项研究获得的信息可以为南非行业的评分表的发展做出贡献，也可以为指导行业走向专业化的发展计划做出贡献。结论：本文提供有关南非商业教练现状的信息，并将其与国际趋势联系起来。