DOI: 10.5176/2251-2349_HRM&PD17.26
Authors: Sharon Jackson, Dorota Joanna Bourne
Abstract: With the communication and many aspects of social life moving into the online domain, social interaction and communication between individuals in corporate environments is often being transferred to the virtual realms in search of solutions to save time and money. This paper explores the way in which online coaching can provide a fruitful platform to introduce online communication and staff development in constructive ways where social and relational aspects of the working team are accommodated. The research presented in this paper explores the process of an online coaching program and its impact on individual behavior and group dynamics. The sample for this study is a group of young women (early to mid-30s). The program explores different methods and approaches to develop self-confidence in young women to facilitate behavioral change. The coaching program included synchronous and asynchronous coaching as well as individual and group coaching sessions. Our research responds to call for evidence and confirms previous claims (Followell, 2014) that if coaching is made available to women in the early stages of a career, this can help develop their self-confidence, self-belief, and leadership skills. The research presented here is an exploratory, longitudinal, study; using a sample size of 12 women, from two organizations, as well as one individual participant. The online coaching program took place over six weeks with quantitative and qualitative data gathered on two separate occasions using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Conclusions and recommendations Drawing together current thinking, research objectives and findings, demonstrates how online coaching using synchronous and asynchronous coaching, combined with individual and group coaching, creates a powerful range of Methods to facilitate behavioral change. The study demonstrates that coaching young women, individually, as well as a group, helps to develop selfconfidence. The program also encouraged risk taking, this led to new learning and behavioral change. Four key recommendations put forward from this research include: First: For coaches and organizations to consider offering customized online coaching programs using synchronous and asynchronous coaching, combined with individual and group coaching, which meets different learning styles and needs. Second: For organizations to offer combined individual and group coaching programs for women only. The current thinking and findings, support the importance of giving women the psychologically safe online environment in which to develop skills, share knowledge and experiences, which builds relationships and social capital. Third: For coaches and organizations to consider creating a library of high-quality online coaching resources to encourage individuals to take responsibility for self-directed learning. Fourth: For individuals, organizations and coaches to learn and understand the importance and impact of psychological safety when working with groups. This was a key finding of this research.
Keywords:online coaching, behavioral change, leadership development, women
Updating...