Development and validation of the coaching-based leadership scale and its relationship with psychological capital, work engagement, and performance

Abstract

Coaching-based leadership (CBL) is becoming increasingly popular in organizations because of its potential benefits for employees’ growth, well-being, and performance. For these reasons, valid and reliable assessment instruments of CBL are necessary. Two related studies were conducted. Study 1 reports the development and validation of the CBL Scale (CBLS) with a sample of 706 employees and leaders from Spain and Latin American countries. The final instrument consists of 16 items, distributed in four factors: working alliance, open communication, learning and development, and progress and results. The instrument offers adequate evidence of reliability and validity. Study 2 examines the relationships between CBL and work-related outcomes in a sample of 252 employees. Results from structural equation modeling revealed that CBL is positively related to work engagement through the mediation of psychological capital and to in- and extra-role performance through work engagement. Findings help answer important questions about the value of CBL as a promising job resource that can positively impact well-being and performance in the workplace. Practical implications are discussed on the potential of CBLS to be used for assessment and training.