Executive Coaching Effectiveness in Performance and Coping Skills of Young Professionals Transitioning into Executive Roles in South Africa

Abstract

Executive Coaching is gaining prominence as a development tool within the South African workplace in line with global trends, as evidence by the increasing number of coaches and coaching organisations. There is also a rise in the number of young executives transitioning into executive roles fueled by emerging technologies and the South African government regulatory environment. The inexperienced young transitioning executives have a need for resources to help them navigate the challenges and the complexities of these roles. The purpose of this study was to explore how executive coaching impacts the performance and the coping and decision-making skills of young South African professionals who are transitioning into executive roles. This study looked at the (1) the pre-coaching experience of young executives, (2) the coaching experience of these executives and (3) the perceived success of coaching. A qualitative research methodology was selected to explore the efficacy of coaching amongst young South African executives. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants of all South African race groups. These participants have received coaching as young professionals appointed into executive roles. A thematic analysis was conducted to examine the data from interviews with the participants. The findings of this study reinforce the need for coaching for young transitioning executives who sometimes find themselves left to their own devices without proper training for the responsibilities and boardroom politics that are characteristic of executive roles. The findings also show that coaching is a preferred method of intervention as it provides a confidential and non-judgemental space for these young executives to vent their frustrati