ABSTRACT

An important issue in coaching research is determining the role of the coach-coachee relationship in influencing outcomes. Although some studies have found that the relationship is a predictor of outcomes, others have reported contrary findings. Using random assignment and a switching-replication design, this study had two aims: first, to examine the alignment (i.e., perception, evaluation) of the relationship during the coaching; and second, to determine if the alignment of the relationship influences coaching outcomes. The relationship measures included the working alliance and goal-focused coaching, as rated by the coach and the coachee. The coachee’s direct supervisor rated the coaching outcome measured by a leadership-behaviour assessment. The research studied fifty-six coaching dyads who engaged in four face-to-face, 1-hr coaching sessions over a 4- to 6-week period. The results showed that the coaches’ and coachees’ evaluation of the coaching relationship became less, rather than more, aligned across time. Further examination showed the alignment of the relationship (goal-focused or relationship satisfaction) did not influence the coaching outcome, as rated by the supervisors. Implications of the results for coaching theory, research, and practice are discussed.

摘要

教练研究中的一个重要问题是确定教练与教练关系在影响结果中的作用。尽管一些研究发现这种关系是结果的预测指标，但其他研究报告了相反的发现。使用随机分配和切换复制设计，本研究有两个目的：首先，检查辅导期间关系的一致性（即感知、评估）；其次，确定关系的一致性是否会影响教练的结果。关系措施包括工作联盟和以目标为中心的指导，由教练和教练评价。教练对象的直接上司通过领导行为评估对教练结果进行评级。该研究研究了 56 位教练二人组，他们参与了四次面对面的、为期 4 至 6 周的 1 小时辅导课程。结果表明，随着时间的推移，教练和被教练者对教练关系的评价变得越来越不一致。进一步的检查表明，按照主管的评价，关系的一致性（以目标为中心或关系满意度）不会影响教练的结果。讨论了结果对教练理论、研究和实践的影响。