Following is a time-sensitive (December 20, 2012) potential research
collaboration opportunity.
I am an ABD PhD candidate in Industrial/Organizational psychology at the
University of Central Florida, working under Dr. Eduardo Salas. I have a
particular interest in executive coaching (especially across cultures), and
have recently applied for a research grant with the Society for Human
Resource Managers (SHRM). I have just received an initial reply from SHRM
expressing interest, but they are concerned I will be unable to procure
relevant samples of coaches and coachees.
Following is a brief overview of the proposed research for your convenience.
Essentially, the proposal suggests the following:
1. Executive coaching is akin to training, and therefore it should be
possible to develop a model of executive coaching similar to the Baldwin and
Ford model of training that has been so helpful in advancing training
science.
2. We have many best practices for executive coaching inputs (e.g., types of
coaching, coach/coachee demographics), and there are a host of executive
coaching outputs (e.g., ROI, coachee skill development), however, we are
largely missing a systematic understanding of how interpersonal (e.g.,
trust) and intrapersonal (e.g., motivation) variables mediate this
relationship.
3. Given points one and two, the central focus of the proposal is to develop
a theoretically and empirically grounded model of executive coaching that
links specific coaching practices to specific coaching outcomes through
various intra- and interpersonal mediating variables. This model will: (1)
allow us to collect in-process measures of coaching effectiveness, (2)
enable coaches to adjust their approach on the fly if necessary, and (3)
create more targeted coaching interventions fit to the inter- and
intrapersonal needs of specific coachees.
The proposed methodology for this research is primarily survey-based, as
this is the best way to collect a large amount of data in an ecologically
valid sample, however, qualitative interviews may be used when possible to
extract information not distinguishable through surveys.
I understand this is incredibly short notice, but if this research interests
you, and you would be willing to provide a level of commitment to
collaborate, please contact me ASAP (again, deadline is December 20th).
Here is what I need at this point:
1. Commitment to provide feedback on the survey prior to distribution
2a. Commitment to distribute the online survey to your network of coaches
2b. (Alternative to 2a) Commitment to provide me with contact information.
3. Statement of your qualifications (i.e., size/source of your coaching
network).
Lastly, if you are interested in collaborating and are an actual executive
coach, and you would be willing to sit down for a phone interview, I would
love to work with you in that capacity.
Thanks in advance!