Why Workplace Coaching Research Needs Greater Scientific Rigour: a Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research

To address a significant gap in the workplace coaching literature, we provide an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the literature in order to inform researchers, practitioners and organizations of the current state of play in workplace coaching research. In our review, we apply a systematic assessment of methodological rigour of the extant workplace coaching literature in order to gain insights into the link between rigour and research outcomes. Our review is fully inclusive and therefore includes both quantitative and qualitative studies of workplace coaching including coaching provided by supervisors. We explore the potential antecedents, moderators and mediators impacting on coaching outcomes, such as the coachee and coach profile and coaching intervention variables. Informed by our systematic review and methodological assessment, specific recommendations will be made to guide future research in the field of workplace coaching effectiveness and theoretical development.

Invaluable but Invisible: an Initial Investigation of Chinese Graduate Skill Development and Subsequent Skill Use

Measures of impact of Higher Education have often neglected the Chinese student view, despite the importance of these students to the UK and Chinese economy. This research paper details the findings of a quantitative survey that was purposively distributed to Chinese graduates who enrolled at the University of Worcester on the Business Management degree between 2004-2011 (n=49). Analysis has been conducted on their skill development throughout their degree, their skill usage in different employment contexts, the value of their degree, and gender differences in skill development and usage. Discrepancies between skill development and usage, between males and females, and with previous research findings are discussed. Future research directions are also specified.

Receptivity to Self-Service Technology (SST): A Research Overview and the Way Forward

In a digital era characterised by the need for efficiency and value, self-service technology rises as a delivery interface offered by public and private sector service providers. With the assumption of a win-win situation for both the provider and customers who can ‘do it themselves’ online/offsite and offline/onsite, stereotypes arise concerning antecedents for positive receptivity and impediments in adopting SSTs. The present paper offers a literature-based discussion of some of the existing and emerging perspectives in this domain; it delivers a contextual review of studies conducted, highlights controversial viewpoints that need to be reconsidered, and suggests future research themes that can make use of the emergent digital sources in data collection and analysis. The purpose is to spark future research on the extent to which SST is a champion for different service types, and to systematically study the customer profile to be targeted for its optimal use in value co-creation.