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Unearthing AI coaching chatbots capabilities for professional coaching: a systematic literature review

Lidia Plotkina (College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia)
Subramaniam Sri Ramalu (College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia)

Journal of Management Development

ISSN: 0262-1711

Article publication date: 26 September 2024

Issue publication date: 26 November 2024

209

Abstract

Purpose

Recent advances in coaching technology enhanced its accessibility and affordability for a broader population. In the imposing growth of economy and the demand for extensive coaching intervention for executives, artificial intelligence (AI)-based coaching is one of the possible solutions. While the evidence of AI coaching effectiveness is expanding, a comprehensive understanding of the field remains elusive. In particular, the true potential of AI coaching tools, ethical considerations and their current functionality are subjects of ongoing investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review was conducted to extract experimental results and concepts about utilizing AI in coaching practice. The paper presents the primary capabilities of state-of-the-art coaching tools and compares them with human coaching.

Findings

The review shows that AI coaching chatbots and tools are effective for narrow tasks such as goal attainment, support for various psychological conditions and induction of reflection processes. Whereas, deep long-term coaching, working alliance and individualized approach are out of current AI coaching competence. In the current state, AI coaching tools serve as complementary helping tools that cannot replace human coaching. However, they have the potential to enhance the coach’s performance and serve as valuable assistants in intricate coaching interventions.

Originality/value

The review offered insights into the current capabilities of AI coaching chatbots, aligned with International Coaching Federation set of competencies. The review outlined the drawbacks and benefits of chatbots and their areas of application in coaching.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Lidia Plotkina. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Lidia Plotkina and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Supervision was performed by Dr Subramaniam Sri Ramalu.

Citation

Plotkina, L. and Sri Ramalu, S. (2024), "Unearthing AI coaching chatbots capabilities for professional coaching: a systematic literature review", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 43 No. 6, pp. 833-848. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-06-2024-0182

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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