The Development of Coaching as Part of a University Leadership Project. Report on Research in Progress.

Abstract

The overarching purpose of this phased study is to investigate the effectiveness of the introduction of a coaching model as part of the Leadership Development Project at the University of Worcester. The study traces the context and the origins of the leadership development project and sets out the development phases in a linear model. It initially explores the concept of leadership adopted by at the University and the challenges faced by the research and project team. Phases of the study set out to examine the effect of the introduction of a coaching model on personal learning and behaviour and organisational development from a number of perspectives, namely the coach, the coachee and the University itself. A group of 30 staff from across the university compose the population sample for this study. The ongoing study utilises questionnaire and selective interview approaches to assess progress and effectiveness of any personal or potential organisational change. Findings suggest initial impact on coaches and coachees learning and behaviour, using a levels based evaluation model future phases of the project evaluation explore organisational activity and embedded change.