The Relevance of Goal Activities in Workplace Coaching: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The relevance of goal theory for coaching has been emphasized by both scholars and coaching practitioners. Yet concerns have been raised about possibly overestimating positive effects on outcomes and neglecting potential pitfalls of goal-focused coaching practice. Synthesizing findings of 24 (quantitative and qualitative) studies, this systematic literature review investigates the occurrence of goal activities in workplace coaching and the relationship between goal activities and coaching outcomes. Reported goal activities include goal setting/clarification, setting action plans, and a goal-focused coach-coachee relationship. Results indicate that coaches report applying goal setting rather frequently during coaching engagements, while coachees report them to occur less. Study findings suggest a positive relationship between goal activities and coaching outcomes (e.g. goal attainment). However, several studies also report no significant associations. The lack of significant associations seems to relate to both study design and chosen outcome measures. In addition, initial findings point to possible moderating variables (e.g. initiator of goal activity) and potential challenges of organizational stakeholders impacting upon goal activities. We discuss findings, assess the risk of bias of included studies and conclude by considering implications for practice and future research.