The integrated experiential executive coaching model : a qualitative exploration.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to qualitatively explore the learning experiences of senior managers during a six-month executive coaching intervention at an information technology company in South Africa. The Integrated Experiential Executive Coaching Model was designed on the basis of Wilbur’s developmental and Kolb’s experiential learning models. The empirical study consisted of a transcendental phenomenological analysis of the reflective essays of 13 managers who were participating in the executive coaching intervention. Eight themes manifested, namely, a difficult beginning, building trust, a growing awareness of the self, the self in relation to others, entering the transpersonal realm, learning how we learn, from dependency to autonomy and transference of learning to the workplace. It was hypothesised that this coaching model facilitated the transformational dimension of experiential learning in individuals through the experience of being empowered to work towards cognitive insight, the experience of emotional meaningfulness and the challenge of taking responsibility for their own growth and career development.