Executive Coaching : An Integrative Literature Review

Executive coaching literature was investigated to uncover common themes within definitions, models and approaches, and effectiveness. An integrative literature review of 533 publications found relationship, goals, performance, and learning to be keywords used most often in defining executive coaching. The most prominent approaches included cognitive, and goal oriented coaching. Effectiveness was most often described as goal achievement, quality of relationships, and levels of trust and support. Finally, executive coaching was summarized as consisting of two critical tasks: 1) establishing a collaborative relationship, and 2) enhancing the vision of the learner. Effectiveness was determined by success in developing and implementing a systematic process that may be adapted to each learner and demonstrating the patience necessary to allow change to occur.


Introduction
Executive coaching (EC), both in the United States and abroad, is experiencing explosive growth.What began as developmental counseling in the 1960s evolved throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s into its present day form [1]. The International Coach Federation (ICF) reports an excess of 15,000 members [2].Beyond its own ranks the federation estimates over 30,000 practitioners in the business of executive coaching, though exact numbers are difficult to attain.Scholars and practitioners alike point to unparalleled amounts of individual and

Data Collection and Analysis
Three primary sources were used for data collection: Google Scholar, EBSCO Host, and finally, an annotated bibliography prepared by Grant [12].Keywords used included executive coaching, definitions, models, and effectiveness.Additional search parameters excluded the use of the words nursing, athlete, and teachers, and focused specifically on the time frame 2007-2010.The aforementioned search criteria best served the study's intention of investigating recent research related to the research questions.
The initial search query based on the research criteria listed above returned 533 results.This number excludes the number of entries in Grant's annotated bibliography numbering 518 [12].The list of 533 publications was further refined by reviewing both the abstract and conclusion of the scholarly publication in question.The following criteria informed further refinement of the search: • Only peer reviewed journal articles were considered, eliminating books and other publications.
• Articles referencing internal coaching were discarded.
• Only publications focusing on external EC were retained.
• Publications with specific references to definitions, models or approaches, and effectiveness were retained.
Publications not specifically mentioning these terms were discarded.• Three exceptions to these criteria: ° Kampa-Kokesch & Anderson (2001) [10] was included due to the pervasiveness of its citing in the literature.Over 70% of the publications reviewed cited the article.° Tompson et al. (2008) [1] was included due to its comprehensive review of the state of EC, credentials of the authors, and the extensive and impressive reference list used in their study.° ICF (2010) [2] was included due to the IFC's growing recognition as the preeminent source for information on EC.A list of 182 publications was retained from the original list of 533.Each of these articles was read in full, resulting in the retention of 54 publications for inclusion in the study.Finally, Torraco suggests four ways to classify newly synthesized learning: a research agenda, a new taxonomy, new models and frameworks, and cross disciplinary, cross theoretical analysis of new learning [11].This study includes both the first and second approaches to data synthesis.

Findings
Data analysis of extant literature produced findings for each research question.Findings for each research question follow, with a summary of key words observed in the publications followed parenthetically by the number of studies in which the keyword was mentioned.A synthesized conclusion to research question 1, examining how EC is defined in the literature, found executive coaching to be a collaborative relationship (13) that supports (5) individuals by establishing clearly defined goals (13) and using a systematic process (5) that is solution focused (4).Important components to the process are action plans (4), intervention strategies (6), communication (8) (discussion, questioning, listening), and feedback (8).The desired result of an executive coaching engagement is for the learner to arrive at a point where self-reflection (9) allows for self-evaluation and self-correction, rendering the coach disposable.Further, executive coaching benefits individual's performance (16) and effectiveness (6).Executive coaching may result in behavior changes (4), enhance development (5), provide the learner with skills/tools (5) primarily used for improving interpersonal relations (4), and facilitate continued learning (10).Table 1 provides a summary of prominent keywords and their related articles.
Research question 2 centered on models or approaches used in EC.Table 2 outlines common keywords for models and approaches to EC.The aggregate growth of EC engagements has seen similar growth in the number and nature of models and approaches to these engagements [3].Of the 27 publications referenced in the study, the most prominent approaches included cognitive (10), goal setting (7), strengths (6), solutions (4), developmental (4), diagnostic (3), self-awareness (2), and remedial or restorative (2).Well over half of the publications reviewed referenced the essential need to assess coachee readiness for change, emphasizing the important point that underpinning all approaches is the basic tenant of human change.Cognitive approaches assist the coachee in better understanding how patterns of thought motivate action [30].Goal setting models focus coachee actions on targets for achievement in the future [6].Strengths coaching isolate certain areas of strength possessed by the coachee with the intent of building on these strengths [31].Solutions based coaching is problem centric and orients the coachee towards determining a solution to a specific problem [4].Developmental coaching presumes the coachee has potential for advancement in a given work role but lacks certain skills to elevate to the next level.The coaching engagement addresses the skill gap [26].Diagnostic coaching employs assessment protocols to evaluate both strengths and weaknesses of the coachee with the intent to establish plans of action to address findings uncovered from the assessment [32].Self-awareness coaching engages the coachee in a process of self-discovery to better understand actions and behaviors [29].Finally, remedial or restorative coaching takes corrective action on coachee weaknesses of deficiencies [33].
Finally, research question 3 focused on defining effectiveness of the coach.Table 3 outlines significant themes related to coaching effectiveness.It is important to distinguish effectiveness of the coaching engagement and the effectiveness of the coach.This study focuses on the latter.
Fifty-six articles weighed in on the subject of factors contributing to coaching effectiveness.A synthesized perspective of specific factors included providing clear mutual goals (30) tops the list as the most mentioned factor.Second, a collaborative relationship (21), often founded on trust (15) and resulting primarily from the coach's experience, and support (15) given by the coach were prominent.While empathy and encouragement are considered forms of support, research showed emotional control (5) by the coach to also be a factor.Further, a systematic process (15) that can be individually tailored (7) to providing solutions (7) results in an action plan (10).An action plan may include assessments (10), intervention strategies (8), and discussion (13) paired with focused listening (14) to establish accountability (12) for the learner and then provide feedback (13).Research showed the most sought after outcomes of the coaching engagement to be continued learning (7) and a heightened self-awareness (13) within the learner that results in self-regulation.

Implications for Human Resource Development
Swanson & Holton suggest human resource development (HRD) can defined as "… a process of developing and unleashing expertise for the purpose of improving individual, team, work process, and organizational system performance" ( [59], p. 4).EC's focus on improving individual performance falls squarely within the purview of HRD.Accordingly, scholars and practitioners have an un-mandated responsibility to nurture understanding of  EC both in scholarly inquiry and practical application.Tompson et al. report that 50% of companies studied self-identify as employing EC currently [1].Full one third of those companies surveyed not currently engaging EC express interest in adding the practice in the future.Of particular importance will be HRD's informed interaction with the psychology community in continuing to define the purpose and uses of EC, EC's relationship to mentoring, counseling, and consulting, and perhaps most importantly, what entity emerges as the leader of EC's fate as an emerging profession.Hui & Sue-Chan (2009) [16], Kemp (2008) [37], Barner & Higgins (2007) [38] Goal setting Du Toit (2007) [3], Grant et al. (2010) [6], Grant (2007) [15], Grant (2007) [39], Ives (2008) [9], Spence (2007) [40], Barner & Higgins (2007) [38] Strengths coaching Gordon (2008)   Within the literature examined, EC is most often defined, modeled, and rendered effective as a systematic process that results from a collaborative relationship between a coach and a learner where clear mutual goals are contrasted with an assessment of reality.Bridges are then built, most often through discussions that lead the learner to a cycle of self-examination and self-correction.Apart from the definition, models often stress the need for readiness to accept change and studies of effectiveness have identified trust, adaptability, and accountability as avenues to better results.All but adaptability of the process to individual needs may be tied to the commitment of the learner.Establishing a collaborative relationship must be the initial task for without the trust and commitment it includes, building the conditions for change becomes impossible.While all of this seems familiar to basic problem solving techniques of identifying what we want, what we have, and how best to get there, the unique characteristic of coaching is that the learner, not the coach, must make the decision to improve.Thus, the bridges mentioned above are, ultimately, the responsibility of the learner.The coach is only charged with enhancing the learner's vision of the two former aspects involved in that decision and then allowing change to occur.It is the knowledge of intervention techniques and the ability to choose and fit them appropriately that may enhance a learner's vision of both their aspirations and present state that becomes the catalyst of change.
EC then may be distilled down to two critical tasks: 1) establishing a collaborative relationship, and 2) enhancing the vision of the learner.Effectiveness may determined by development and implementation of a systematic process that may be adapted to each learner.Finally, the coach must have the patience to allow change to occur.

Limitations
Only peer reviewed journal articles we considered for this study.The authors acknowledge the presence of other credible resources enhancing the study of EC not contained herein.And while the establishment of a 2007-2010 research timeframe supported the objective of discovering new learning on EC, it limits the ability to reach back into the literature to add context, or to connect lines of reasoning outside of the designated time parameter.Finally, definitions of EC, models and approaches used in EC, and measures of effectiveness of the executive coach are certainly important topics of discovery.But much more needs to be learned about EC, from both a scholarly and practical point of view Additional topics can and should be investigated for the purpose of broadening the understanding of EC.

Recommendations for Future Research
Conspicuous by its absence is empirical research tying characteristics of an effective coach to coaching outcomes.While the broader consideration of the coaching engagement has enjoyed moderate study, more needs to be done to fully understand the contribution of the coach to successful outcomes.Secondly, the lines between consulting, counseling, mentoring and coaching must continue to be defined in order to mitigate confusion over what EC is and what it is not.Finally, EC has been reviled for its paucity of research, favoring an approach to be defined by practice.Abandoning the practical application of research to EC only creates a second wrong that fails to make a right.Researchers and practitioners must make this journey together for the ultimate benefit of all concerned.

Table 1 .
A range of keywords included in various definitions in retained publications for the study.

Table 2 .
A range of keywords involving models and approaches to EC in retained publications for the study.

Table 3 .
A range of keywords and phrases defining effectiveness of the coach in EC in retained publications for the study.