Business coaching for Tunisian entrepreneurs: features and success factors

Abstract

PurposeLittle is known about the relationship between an entrepreneur and his business coach, as very few studies have examined this question, in Tunisia or internationally. The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of the relationship that Tunisian entrepreneur has with his business coach, through the study of factors, which are decisive in the success of this relationship, especially trust, communication and commitment.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a questionnaire to gather information about entrepreneurs who created their small businesses between 2015 and 2018. First, factor analysis was conducted on several variables to extract the underlying dimensions. Then, a bivariate analysis was performed to identify and analyse which factors are responsible for the success of the relationship between the entrepreneur and his business coach.FindingsThe findings of the study showed that the factors identified as being critical to the success of the relationship between Tunisian entrepreneur and his business coach, include know-how, the give-and-take strategy, meeting needs of the entrepreneur, sharing knowledge and the involvement of the coach in the project during the business creation process. However, limited trust, comprehensive listening and mutuality of relationships were not statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst study results are partially consistent with the literature, it is surprising that some factors as comprehensive listening, knowledge sharing and relationship mutuality do not really consolidate the entrepreneur's relationship with his coach. By harnessing this result, it is desirable that a more in-depth examination of success factors be carried out to allow more accurate inference to be drawn from the survey.Practical implicationsWhilst study results are partially consistent with findings from the literature, it is surprising that some factors, as comprehensive listening, knowledge sharing and relationship mutuality does not significantly contribute to the success of the relationship between Tunisian entrepreneur and his business coach. Taking this into account, it would be desirable that a more in-depth examination of success factors be carried out to allow more accurate inference to be drawn from the survey.Originality/valueThe paper contributes by analysing critical success factors of the relationship between an entrepreneur and his business coach in a less well-researched area since very few studies have examined this question, in Tunisia or internationally. Conceptually, it offers a better understanding of how the entrepreneur and his coach behave during the business creation process.