Problem-Specific Coaching Interventions Influence Goal Attainment via Double-Loop Learning

Abstract

Abstract. How do coaching interventions work? This study contributes to process-outcome research in coaching by examining the impact of coaches’ problem-specific interventions on coaching results. Paying particular attention to the mediation processes in coaching seems to be a promising research area, which has received little attention to date. Using several points of measurement over time and taking nested data structure into account, 33 coaching dyads were analyzed using longitudinal multilevel analyses. Results showed a general coaching effect as well as the mediating role of learning processes. As expected, clients’ perceived goal attainment increased over the course of the coaching sessions. Furthermore, problem-specific interventions by the coach, especially clarification of meaning and mastery/coping, led to an increase in goal attainment mediated by clients’ perceived learning experience (double-loop learning). Our results underscore the importance of stimulating learning processes by specific interventions to improve coaching effectiveness.