Coaching professionalism and provider size

Abstract

Purpose

This article opens up for debate a new perspective on professional quality in externally supplied coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Three provider size‐types are taken in turn and interpreted in relation to characteristic quality issues.

Findings

Professional quality characteristically varies with different types of coaching provider. Three primary provider types are identified: large conglomerates (often multinational); the solo market where coaches work as individuals; and the specialised coaching team or “boutique”. Provider size is suggested to be the key quality‐related variable distinguishing these three types. Professional quality is specified inclusively through identifying the factors currently in the coaching quality debate. This allows a menu of factors to be considered non‐judgementally in relation to the provider types.

Practical implications

The article suggests how the characteristic size pluses can be realised and the minuses avoided.

Originality/value

Provider size does not seem to have been debated before as a key variable in coaching quality.

Citation

Ahern, G. (2005), "Coaching professionalism and provider size", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 94-99. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710510572371