TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose Schools are traditionally hierarchical organisations with headteachers holding significant influence to effect change. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an investigation into the experiences of school leaders introducing coaching cultures into their schools.Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a phenomenological approach. In total, 20 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with headteachers and deputy headteachers in the UK. Thematic analysis was used to code the data and identify themes.Findings The paper reports on six themes based on the experiences of school leaders who participated in this study: personal beliefs about coaching are influenced by prior experiences; frustration about the pace of change; pressure of conflicting demands; feelings of isolation; the need for confidence to see the process through; and experiencing personal growth. The findings of this study shed light on the experience that school leaders may face when introducing coaching initiatives.Research limitations/implications These findings are unique to the participants of this study and therefore not representative of a general population of educational leaders. Further research into factors that can influence the successful introduction of coaching initiatives into educational settings is recommended.Practical implications The paper includes implications for school leaders who wish to introduce coaching initiatives into their educational contexts. It is argued, for example, it is helpful for school leaders to reflect on their own beliefs about coaching before initiating cultural change within their schools.Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to understand leadership experiences in relation to coaching in schools. This understanding will support policy makers and school leaders interested in embedding coaching cultures within schools.
VL  - 7
IS  - 4
SN  - 2046-6854
DO  - 10.1108/IJMCE-11-2017-0073
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-11-2017-0073
AU  - Anthony Dirk Posthumus
AU  - van Nieuwerburgh Christian J.
PY  - 2018
Y1  - 2018/01/01
TI  - A thematic analysis of the experience of educational leaders introducing coaching into schools
T2  - International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 343
EP  - 356
Y2  - 2024/04/16
ER  -