Essential Executive Coaching Competencies for Enhancing Executive On-the-Job Performance: A Modified Delphi Study

Essential Executive Coaching Competencies for Enhancing Executive On-the-Job Performance: A Modified Delphi Study by Arturo Small Maxwell MA, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2002 BS, Andrews University, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December, 2016 Abstract Approximately 93% of Fortune 1000 companies in the United States rely upon executive coaching to accelerate executive performance. However, there is a lack of empirical research identifying effective executive coaching competencies. In this modified Delphi study, a panel of 17 executive coaching experts was purposefully selected from theApproximately 93% of Fortune 1000 companies in the United States rely upon executive coaching to accelerate executive performance. However, there is a lack of empirical research identifying effective executive coaching competencies. In this modified Delphi study, a panel of 17 executive coaching experts was purposefully selected from the International Coach Federation and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Participant selection criteria included training in executive coaching, executive coaching credentialing, and ≥3 years practicing executive coaching or purchasing executive coaching services. Participants used a 5 point Likert-type questionnaire to provide their expert opinion regarding essential executive coaching competencies for enhancing executive on-the-job performance. In an iterative 3-round process, a consensus between these experts was determined when the mean of respondent ratings reached 4.0 or higher. Data received from the panel of experts were calculated for means and standard deviations. This analysis showed key executive coaching competencies such as trustworthiness, adherence to a code of ethics, executive coaching certification, and 19 others. This list of competencies may be used to inform future research on coaching effectiveness, and may serve as criteria for HR managers when selecting coaches. Coach training entities could benefit by integrating these findings in their teaching curriculum. More effective executive coaching is important because of its potential to improve organizational efficiency, profitability, and work environment, positively impacting the lives of employees. Essential Executive Coaching Competencies for Enhancing Executive On-the-Job Performance: A Modified Delphi Study by Arturo Small Maxwell MA, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2002 BS, Andrews University, 1987 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December, 2016 Dedication I dedicate this achievement to God in whom I trust and to whom I owe the greatest gratitude. I also dedicate this dissertation to my wife and to my son, who endured long periods of my absence, and whose love and support were instrumental in my achieving this academic milestone. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge my teachers who shaped my thinking while respecting my God-given right to formulate my own thoughts and ideas – teachers from whom I learned valuable lessons, for whom I have developed much respect, and to whom I owe a lot of gratitude. Furthermore, in-light-of this personally significant achievement, I want to recognize Dr. Richard Thompson, my dissertation Chair, who encouraged me to stay the course, to be inquisitive, and to never settle for anything but my very best. I would also like to recognize Dr. Richard Thomlinson, my dissertation committee member, for his insights and feedback in this challenging process. My gratitude goes also to my URR, Dr. Sandra Harris, who pressed me to write more clearly and concisely; this was a tough lesson that I needed to learn. These individuals are heroes for patiently coaching me and others through our struggles, flaws, and frustrations, while also encouraging us to pursue perfection.