CIPD Research highlights challenges in implementing coaching within organisations

Despite the majority of UK employers (71%) currently using coaching within their organisations, results from the new joint Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Ashridge Centre for Coachingís final research report ñ Coaching in Organisations ñ, indicates that efforts to develop coaching capability in order to support business goals are still in the early stages, with wide variations in practice. As a result, it can be challenging for learning and development practitioners to make judgements about how best to implement coaching within their organisation.

The report highlights that there are many different approaches to providing coaching services that are successful, however many organisations are still finding their way through trial and error and would like more assurance on whether or not they are on the right path. What is all too clear is that for a coaching intervention to be successful, it must be matched to the business needs.

Dr John McGurk, CIPD Learning, Training and Development Adviser, comments:

ìMost practitioners believe the effectiveness of each individual coaching relationship is what matters in delivering successful outcomes in coaching. Learning and development professionals play a key role in embedding this process within their organisation. This is the overarching tension that continues to challenge organisations fundamentally in all aspects of their chosen approach to coaching ñfrom objective setting, to structuring services and evaluation.î

A number of case studies, including The Alzheimerís Society, BBC, Nokia, Oxford City Council and Zurich Financial Services, are profiled in the report to help highlight unique cross-sector approaches to coaching as well as helping to identify structures, processes, roles, training, quality and evaluation of coaching services.

Dr McGurk adds: ìLearning and development professionals must be in tune with their organisation, while understanding and sometimes protecting the value coaching can offer.

ìThe most significant challenge for businesses is to develop the appropriate level of structure to enable coaching relationships to be as effective as possible. A one- size-fits-all approach will never offer real value.î

Coaching in Organisations will be launched at the CIPDís annual HRD conference on Tuesday, 15 April 2008. The report aims to give additional guidance for HR and learning and development professionals as to how best to implement their coaching strategies.

Speaking at the conference will be: Jacqueline Keddy, Lead Consultant Coaching and Action Learning, DCI, Metropolitan Police Service and Ann Knights, Business Director, Ashridge Centre for Excellence in Coaching and Gareth Jones HR Director, M&G.