Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
The core purpose of this study was to explore the desired competencies of coaches operating in the context of a Coaching Development Centre (CDC). In a CDC, the coach has a broader role to what is required at a traditional assessment centre (AC) and at a development assessment centre (DAC). Not only do CDC coaches need to assess job-related behaviours, but also need to act as facilitators and coaches, guiding coachees towards developing selected skills. Having these additional responsibilities, the cognitive demands placed on CDC coaches are even greater than the demands placed on assessors and observers in assessment centres and development assessment centres respectively. Despite this concern, very little evidence exists regarding the cognitive requirements for observers, with no existing research on the cognitive requirements for coaches in CDCs. This study set out to address this gap in research, and explore the competencies that allow coaches to cope better with the complexities associated with the various tasks in which they engage.
Self-administered questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and a Delphi technique allowed for the design and validation of an exploratory competencies framework encompassing the core competencies of coaches in a CDC. A qualitative research methodology was utilised, with an exploratory research intent. The information was interpreted from an interpretive research paradigm, using content analysis. The pooled perspectives and opinions of 13 participants informed the comprehensive competencies framework for coaches in a CDC. A total of 25 competencies were included in the framework, of which 14 are considered core competencies. This framework may be applied by all entities using the CDC method. By applying this framework in practice, candidates best suited to the role of a coach at a CDC can be selected, in order to enhance performance and development outcomes amongst coachees. In doing so, organisations will be able to utilise their resources more effectively, and establish a unique competitive advantage in the marketplace.