ABSTRACT
In qualitative coaching research, we can distinguish between:
Action research: personal research from inside coaching practice.
Case studies: retrospective, narrative research into coaching practice.
Field research: participatory research using questions within coaching practice.
Process research: retrospective research into coaching practice.
So far, qualitative research has shown that the most important success criteria of coaching seem to be related to the coachee: the development of trust, acceptance of and commitment to coaching, and respect for the coaching contract. Another success criterion for both coaches and coachees seems to be the ability for both to achieve a deep level of psychological understanding. Other research shows that empathy and the working alliance are expressed in observable behaviour, of which “friendly-dominant” coaching behaviour seems to be related to effectiveness. Coaches and coachees seem to have both overlapping and differing views on what is important in coaching, and sponsors have different expectations still. This has repercussions for managing expectations in triangular contracts.
