| Coaching is a rapidly growing field, practiced by individuals representing a number of different academic backgrounds. As of yet, differences in practices and approaches between different coaches are unclear, and the lack of empirical research leaves the field open for speculation. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to examine the differences in practices and approaches between coaches with an academic background in the field of Business, coaches with an academic background in Clinical psychology or related field, and coaches with an academic background in Industrial-Organizational psychology or related field.; A total of 928 coaches from organizations, associations and Internet list serves participated in the study by completing a web-based survey measuring practices and approaches to coaching. The results from the study were analyzed using analysis of variance, comparing the groups. The main conclusions that can be made from the study indicate that each of the three groups brings something unique to the field of coaching. Furthermore, the results point toward an existence of two, or possibly more markets depending upon the source of hire. The results from the study specifically pinpoint differences on a number of variables, such as; titles used, engagements, sources of hire, fees, annual income as a coach, participation in seminars, perceived competitiveness, frequency and length of sessions, means used to conduct coaching, use of assessment tools, means of evaluating effectiveness of intervention, perception of unethical practices, ethical guidelines, coaching versus therapy, and certification, among other variables. |
