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Employee learning stimulated by manager-as-coach

Paul Lyons (Department of Management, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, USA)
Randall Bandura (Department of Accounting, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland, USA)

Journal of Workplace Learning

ISSN: 1366-5626

Article publication date: 4 November 2020

Issue publication date: 13 November 2020

1732

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways a manager in a coaching role may influence employees to embrace a learning orientation based upon the growth mindset. Conceptual in nature, this paper uses recent research, interpretations, explanations and suggestions to propose how manager-as-coach can informally and formally apply basic interventions to assist employee learning and change.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a review of relevant literature of theory and practice using several search tools, the authors have isolated a few critical areas to explore to include role of the coach, performance appraisal – the stimulus for manager-as-coach interaction with an employee, feedback orientation and environment, the growth mindset and learning orientation and the dynamics of self-regulated learning. Information from these areas is integrated to inform practitioners of approaches to take in a manager-as-coach role.

Findings

Included for each of the main segments presented are specific, practitioner “Commitment advice/action agendas” for manager-as-coach to stimulate and guide employee learning. These agendas contribute sound, practical information to the body of information concerned with manager-as-coach.

Originality/value

A contribution this work makes is to propose how learning orientation and the growth mindset are intertwined to the extent they assist the manager-as-coach supply the motivational support for employee learning. The resultant learning may lead to one or more of: improved work performance, individual development, attitudes toward learning and increased employee commitment or engagement.

Keywords

Citation

Lyons, P. and Bandura, R. (2020), "Employee learning stimulated by manager-as-coach", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 32 No. 8, pp. 627-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-09-2020-0153

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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