EXECUTIVE AND LEADER COACHING: AN I/O PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Organizations continue to re-organize, re-structure, and adapt to the paradigm shift from traditional business practices to postmodern practices in boundaryless markets and global economies. On the human side of the paradigm shift to new unchartered waters, a growing number of executives and leaders are seeking assistance for professional and career development. Organizations are also using executive and leader coaches in efforts to increase organizational performance. Yet, the field of executive and leader coaching has limited empirical studies, theories, and models. Currently, there are no legal requirements to provide coaching services or create a coaching practice outside of obtaining a business license. Therefore, the average person could create a coaching practice with a minimum investment and limited coaching skills. The absence of empirical research, mandatory requirements, and limited guiding principles could result in potentially ineffective coaching practices leading to limited outcomes or in some cases, harm to the client. The field of executive and leader coaching has a surplus of practitioners with backgrounds and experiences including retired executives and business leaders, management consultants, motivational speakers, and sports coaches. Presently, there are a few professional coaching organizations offering training and coaching certification for reasonable prices and minimum membership requirements. However, the field of executive and leader coaching also has a growing number of industrial/organizational psychologists and licensed psychologists providing coaching services influenced by the American Psychological Association code of ethics, standards, and principles. This paper provides an overview of executive and leader coaching with an industrial/organizational psychology perspective of executive and leader coaching. Keywords APA Ethics Code, Best Practices, Business Coaching, Coaching Competencies, Coaching Principles, Evidence-based Coaching, Executive and Leader Development