Prof in Leadership coaching at Stellenbosch Business School in SAMy research ranges from Coaching and leadership coaching, to project management: Critical Reflection
Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge ... more Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge may be due to postgraduate students having a primary interest in theoretical and practical knowledge rather than research in the era of credential inflation. Research leaders may embark on researcher development initiatives but unless both parties in the postgraduate supervision relationship are considered, these interventions may not achieve their aim. Student research challenges were explored from both student and supervisor perspectives using an Interactive Qualitative Analysis research design. Through conducting four focus groups and 14 individual interviews, issues emerged related to educational input, support and identity development. Findings revealed contrasting student and supervisor views on research challenges. Identification of both perspectives of research challenges led to the formulation of a framework of strategies for multi-level researcher development. These strategies could guide researcher development activities and contribute to ensuring accountability, enhancing quality, ensuring timely completion of postgraduate studies.
Motivation for the study: If users understand how job applicants view specific test types, they w... more Motivation for the study: If users understand how job applicants view specific test types, they will know which assessments are perceived more negatively and how this situation can potentially be rectified. Research design, approach and method: A non-experimental and cross-sectional survey design was used. An adapted version of the Test Attitude Survey was used to determine job applicants' attitudes towards tests administered online as part of an employee selection process. The sample consisted of a group of job applicants (N = 160) who were diverse in terms of ethnicity and age and the educational level applicable for sales and supervisory positions. Main findings: On average, the job applicants responded equally positively to the cognitive ability and personality tests. The African job applicants had a statistically significantly more positive attitude towards the tests than the other groups, and candidates applying for the sales position viewed the cognitive ability tests significantly less positively than the personality test. Practical and managerial implications: The choice of selection tests used in combination as well as the testing conditions that are applicable should be considered carefully as they are the factors that can potentially influence the test-taking motivation and general test-taking attitudes of job applicants. Contribution: This study consolidated the research findings on the determinants of attitudinal responses to cognitive ability and personality testing and produced valuable empirical findings on job applicants' attitudes towards both test types when administered conjointly.
Leaders deemed to possess character have much in common. Fairness, justice, care and integrity ar... more Leaders deemed to possess character have much in common. Fairness, justice, care and integrity are all given as examples of leader character (Newstead et al., 2019). Whilst research proposes various definitions of character, the core seems to centre on integrity (Conger & Hollenbeck, 2010; Purpose: There is a need for leading with integrity to contribute to sustainable effectiveness and performance in the organisational context. The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the elements that could facilitate the development of leaders' awareness of integrity to support positive leader outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was the research design, and purposive, convenience sampling was utilised to select six leaders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with these leaders and reflective notes of the researcher as coach to explore leaders' experience of the contribution of coaching to the development of awareness of integrity. Findings/results: Based on the experiences of these leaders, the findings suggest that even a small number of coaching sessions using a strengths-based approach contributed towards an increase in awareness of the importance of integrity. Positive leader outcomes were also identified. The study supports the use of a strengths-based approach to coaching, such as a solution-focussed cognitive-behavioural (SF-CB) approach, whilst coaching leaders. Practical implications: The findings have implications for organisations and coaches. The findings confirm the selection of coaching as a suitable intervention to develop awareness of integrity and achieve positive leader outcomes. Findings provide evidence to guide human resources professionals whilst deciding on an appropriate intervention for leader development. In addition, coaches could base their selection of an approach on the evidence supporting the use of an SF-CB coaching approach in the context of developing leaders' awareness of the importance of integrity. Originality/value: The findings highlight the efficacy of using a strengths-based approachspecifically an SF-CB approach-to increase leaders' awareness of integrity and drive positive leader outcomes.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the use of art in coaching and to determine how art... more Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the use of art in coaching and to determine how art contributes to the ability of clients/coaches to reflect critically.Design and methodology: This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with coaches who make regular use of a visual art form as a coaching tool. The sample focused on the diversity of coaches and the coaching context. A phenomenological approach was used as the focus was to gather the experiences of the participating coaches on their practices of art in coaching.Findings/results: The views of participant coaches on outcomes have been gathered, which includes better insight (aha-moments), a stronger focus on goals, willingness to use their creativity and changes in perception. Five key drivers of critical reflection have been identified, and it was found that the experience of creating art, as opposed to viewing art, produces these results more often.Practical implications: The findings of this research provide coaches...
Orientation: Online coaching (via a range of technologies) is becoming a preferred option as more... more Orientation: Online coaching (via a range of technologies) is becoming a preferred option as more and more coaches and clients embrace technology-enabled environments. One of the fundamental skills of coaching is the ability of the coach to build rapport with the client.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which rapport can be established between the coach and the client during online management coaching.Motivation for the study: The authors believe that the creation of rapport online between the coach and the client cannot be left to evolve naturally and that the building of rapport requires the parties to invest intentionally to create connection and chemistry. Hence, this question: What can be done to optimise the rapport between client and coach during e-coaching?Research approach/design and method: To obtain primary data for this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six coaches and six clients who had experienced at lea...
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2020
A significant need among small and medium enterprises is the transfer of skills, specifically bus... more A significant need among small and medium enterprises is the transfer of skills, specifically business acumen, through mentorship and coaching. Despite the similarities between coaching and mentoring, it is important to understand the different contributions that coaching and mentoring can make to the development of entrepreneurs. The findings of this qualitative study acknowledge the different contributions of coaching and mentoring to participants at the University of Stellenbosch Business School’s (USB) Small Business Academy. It is therefore recommended that coaching and mentoring should be defined separately and differently within the context of the USB Small Business Academy’s Development Programme and similar entrepreneurial development programmes.
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2018
This article is a summary of a research assignment investigating the Business Coaching Processes ... more This article is a summary of a research assignment investigating the Business Coaching Processes (BCPs) that support the implementation of Business Improvement Projects (BIPs) in order to gain a better understanding of the coaching processes and tools applied. The selection of coaching processes and tools is most often influenced by the coaching context, the background of the coach and the outcomes required. This study found that the selection and application of processes and tools were influenced by factors not considered and showed a 45% deviation from current literature. This study reflects actual practices applied to support the implementation of BIPs.
Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge ... more Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge may be due to postgraduate students having a primary interest in theoretical and practical knowledge rather than research in the era of credential inflation. Research leaders may embark on researcher development initiatives but unless both parties in the postgraduate supervision relationship are considered, these interventions may not achieve their aim. Student research challenges were explored from both student and supervisor perspectives using an Interactive Qualitative Analysis research design. Through conducting four focus groups and 14 individual interviews, issues emerged related to educational input, support and identity development. Findings revealed contrasting student and supervisor views on research challenges. Identification of both perspectives of research challenges led to the formulation of a framework of strategies for multi-level researcher development. These strategies could guide researcher development activities and contribute to ensuring accountability, enhancing quality, ensuring timely completion of postgraduate studies.
South African Journal of Business Management, 2018
The need for social transformation in South Africa is intrinsically linked to the transformation ... more The need for social transformation in South Africa is intrinsically linked to the transformation of corporate South Africa. Strong senior leadership is required to ensure that organisations remain sustainable during this transformation. There is, however, a shortage of skilled senior leaders, hence the need for leadership development. When leaders transition into senior positions, they face a plethora of personal and systemic challenges. Many fail with resulting disastrous effects on individual (micro) and organisational (macro) levels. This research investigates the challenges faced by newly promoted senior leaders in order to lay the groundwork for designing support strategies for individuals and organisations. The qualitative findings suggest that leadership transitions present unexpected challenges on a personal and systemic level to such individuals and that they do not receive adequate support from their organisations. For transformation to be successful and sustainable on mac...
Orientation: Coaching has the potential to align the expectations between young millennial profes... more Orientation: Coaching has the potential to align the expectations between young millennial professionals and their organisations as coaching in a business context should result in mutually beneficial outcomes valued by both the coachee and the organisation.Research purpose: The research reported in this article explored how coaching contributes to the alignment of the psychological contract between an organisation and the young millennial professional.Motivation for the study: The work-related preferences and expectations of millennials can result in misalignment in the psychological contract between organisations and young millennial professionals, negatively affecting their level of engagement; performance and tenure. There is a paucity of research into building psychological contract mutuality and the coaching of millennials.Research approach/design and method: A phenomenological approach within a qualitative research design was followed. This included semi-structured interviews ...
Orientation: Multi-stakeholder contracting provides a platform for the coaching stakeholders: the... more Orientation: Multi-stakeholder contracting provides a platform for the coaching stakeholders: the individual being coached (client), the organisation (sponsor and line manager) and the coach for achieving aligned outcomes within executive coaching. Contracting is not optimally implemented by stakeholders in all three phases of executive coaching (commencement, execution and conclusion).Research purpose: The research’s purpose was to develop a guiding framework for multi-stakeholder contracting in each of the three phases of coaching.Motivation for the study: Stakeholders ensure outcomes achievement for the individual and the organisation in executive coaching. Limited research exists relating to the contractual elements and practices implemented by stakeholders during the three phases of coaching.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative, inductive, exploratory approach using purposive sampling was used to identify 12 participants, consisting of three: executive coaches, cl...
Senior leadership transitions present daunting challenges. To promote inclusive development and c... more Senior leadership transitions present daunting challenges. To promote inclusive development and comply with equal opportunity legislation, South African companies often fasttrack careers of high-potential previously disadvantaged individuals. Organisations typically do not sufficiently support transitioning leaders, possibly acting unethically. The rate of failure is high with devastating effects for the individual and their organisation. The novel, empirically researched Transformative Transition Coaching (TTC) framework helps facilitate deep and lasting changes in meaning perspectives of transitioning leaders through coaching. The ability of the TTC framework to support transitioning leaders is presented in this article.
This chapter summarises my experience of corporate business and its evident need for a more meani... more This chapter summarises my experience of corporate business and its evident need for a more meaningful inclusion of values and culture as the “how we agree to do business” or strategic focus. My passion is for increased performance through alignment in ...
Orientation: Coaching is sometimes used in organisations to assist and support people when they a... more Orientation: Coaching is sometimes used in organisations to assist and support people when they are promoted into senior leadership positions. These coaching interventions are not optimally designed.Research purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate how a transition coaching intervention should be designed to cater specifically for people promoted into senior leadership positions.Motivation for the study: Leaders face daunting challenges when promoted into a senior position. Coaching could offer powerful support, but very little research exists on how to design a transition coaching intervention specifically aimed at supporting recently promoted senior leaders.Research design, approach and method: A constructivist, grounded theory approach using purposeful, theoretical sampling was used to identify 16 participants (recently promoted senior leaders, coaches, Human Resource [HR] partners and a line manager) from various organisations with whom open-ended interviews we...
Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge ... more Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge may be due to postgraduate students having a primary interest in theoretical and practical knowledge rather than research in the era of credential inflation. Research leaders may embark on researcher development initiatives but unless both parties in the postgraduate supervision relationship are considered, these interventions may not achieve their aim. Student research challenges were explored from both student and supervisor perspectives using an Interactive Qualitative Analysis research design. Through conducting four focus groups and 14 individual interviews, issues emerged related to educational input, support and identity development. Findings revealed contrasting student and supervisor views on research challenges. Identification of both perspectives of research challenges led to the formulation of a framework of strategies for multi-level researcher development. These strategies could guide researcher development activities and contribute to ensuring accountability, enhancing quality, ensuring timely completion of postgraduate studies.
Motivation for the study: If users understand how job applicants view specific test types, they w... more Motivation for the study: If users understand how job applicants view specific test types, they will know which assessments are perceived more negatively and how this situation can potentially be rectified. Research design, approach and method: A non-experimental and cross-sectional survey design was used. An adapted version of the Test Attitude Survey was used to determine job applicants' attitudes towards tests administered online as part of an employee selection process. The sample consisted of a group of job applicants (N = 160) who were diverse in terms of ethnicity and age and the educational level applicable for sales and supervisory positions. Main findings: On average, the job applicants responded equally positively to the cognitive ability and personality tests. The African job applicants had a statistically significantly more positive attitude towards the tests than the other groups, and candidates applying for the sales position viewed the cognitive ability tests significantly less positively than the personality test. Practical and managerial implications: The choice of selection tests used in combination as well as the testing conditions that are applicable should be considered carefully as they are the factors that can potentially influence the test-taking motivation and general test-taking attitudes of job applicants. Contribution: This study consolidated the research findings on the determinants of attitudinal responses to cognitive ability and personality testing and produced valuable empirical findings on job applicants' attitudes towards both test types when administered conjointly.
Leaders deemed to possess character have much in common. Fairness, justice, care and integrity ar... more Leaders deemed to possess character have much in common. Fairness, justice, care and integrity are all given as examples of leader character (Newstead et al., 2019). Whilst research proposes various definitions of character, the core seems to centre on integrity (Conger & Hollenbeck, 2010; Purpose: There is a need for leading with integrity to contribute to sustainable effectiveness and performance in the organisational context. The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the elements that could facilitate the development of leaders' awareness of integrity to support positive leader outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was the research design, and purposive, convenience sampling was utilised to select six leaders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with these leaders and reflective notes of the researcher as coach to explore leaders' experience of the contribution of coaching to the development of awareness of integrity. Findings/results: Based on the experiences of these leaders, the findings suggest that even a small number of coaching sessions using a strengths-based approach contributed towards an increase in awareness of the importance of integrity. Positive leader outcomes were also identified. The study supports the use of a strengths-based approach to coaching, such as a solution-focussed cognitive-behavioural (SF-CB) approach, whilst coaching leaders. Practical implications: The findings have implications for organisations and coaches. The findings confirm the selection of coaching as a suitable intervention to develop awareness of integrity and achieve positive leader outcomes. Findings provide evidence to guide human resources professionals whilst deciding on an appropriate intervention for leader development. In addition, coaches could base their selection of an approach on the evidence supporting the use of an SF-CB coaching approach in the context of developing leaders' awareness of the importance of integrity. Originality/value: The findings highlight the efficacy of using a strengths-based approachspecifically an SF-CB approach-to increase leaders' awareness of integrity and drive positive leader outcomes.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the use of art in coaching and to determine how art... more Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the use of art in coaching and to determine how art contributes to the ability of clients/coaches to reflect critically.Design and methodology: This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with coaches who make regular use of a visual art form as a coaching tool. The sample focused on the diversity of coaches and the coaching context. A phenomenological approach was used as the focus was to gather the experiences of the participating coaches on their practices of art in coaching.Findings/results: The views of participant coaches on outcomes have been gathered, which includes better insight (aha-moments), a stronger focus on goals, willingness to use their creativity and changes in perception. Five key drivers of critical reflection have been identified, and it was found that the experience of creating art, as opposed to viewing art, produces these results more often.Practical implications: The findings of this research provide coaches...
Orientation: Online coaching (via a range of technologies) is becoming a preferred option as more... more Orientation: Online coaching (via a range of technologies) is becoming a preferred option as more and more coaches and clients embrace technology-enabled environments. One of the fundamental skills of coaching is the ability of the coach to build rapport with the client.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which rapport can be established between the coach and the client during online management coaching.Motivation for the study: The authors believe that the creation of rapport online between the coach and the client cannot be left to evolve naturally and that the building of rapport requires the parties to invest intentionally to create connection and chemistry. Hence, this question: What can be done to optimise the rapport between client and coach during e-coaching?Research approach/design and method: To obtain primary data for this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six coaches and six clients who had experienced at lea...
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2020
A significant need among small and medium enterprises is the transfer of skills, specifically bus... more A significant need among small and medium enterprises is the transfer of skills, specifically business acumen, through mentorship and coaching. Despite the similarities between coaching and mentoring, it is important to understand the different contributions that coaching and mentoring can make to the development of entrepreneurs. The findings of this qualitative study acknowledge the different contributions of coaching and mentoring to participants at the University of Stellenbosch Business School’s (USB) Small Business Academy. It is therefore recommended that coaching and mentoring should be defined separately and differently within the context of the USB Small Business Academy’s Development Programme and similar entrepreneurial development programmes.
International journal of evidence based coaching and mentoring, 2018
This article is a summary of a research assignment investigating the Business Coaching Processes ... more This article is a summary of a research assignment investigating the Business Coaching Processes (BCPs) that support the implementation of Business Improvement Projects (BIPs) in order to gain a better understanding of the coaching processes and tools applied. The selection of coaching processes and tools is most often influenced by the coaching context, the background of the coach and the outcomes required. This study found that the selection and application of processes and tools were influenced by factors not considered and showed a 45% deviation from current literature. This study reflects actual practices applied to support the implementation of BIPs.
Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge ... more Students often battle to complete the research component of postgraduate studies. This challenge may be due to postgraduate students having a primary interest in theoretical and practical knowledge rather than research in the era of credential inflation. Research leaders may embark on researcher development initiatives but unless both parties in the postgraduate supervision relationship are considered, these interventions may not achieve their aim. Student research challenges were explored from both student and supervisor perspectives using an Interactive Qualitative Analysis research design. Through conducting four focus groups and 14 individual interviews, issues emerged related to educational input, support and identity development. Findings revealed contrasting student and supervisor views on research challenges. Identification of both perspectives of research challenges led to the formulation of a framework of strategies for multi-level researcher development. These strategies could guide researcher development activities and contribute to ensuring accountability, enhancing quality, ensuring timely completion of postgraduate studies.
South African Journal of Business Management, 2018
The need for social transformation in South Africa is intrinsically linked to the transformation ... more The need for social transformation in South Africa is intrinsically linked to the transformation of corporate South Africa. Strong senior leadership is required to ensure that organisations remain sustainable during this transformation. There is, however, a shortage of skilled senior leaders, hence the need for leadership development. When leaders transition into senior positions, they face a plethora of personal and systemic challenges. Many fail with resulting disastrous effects on individual (micro) and organisational (macro) levels. This research investigates the challenges faced by newly promoted senior leaders in order to lay the groundwork for designing support strategies for individuals and organisations. The qualitative findings suggest that leadership transitions present unexpected challenges on a personal and systemic level to such individuals and that they do not receive adequate support from their organisations. For transformation to be successful and sustainable on mac...
Orientation: Coaching has the potential to align the expectations between young millennial profes... more Orientation: Coaching has the potential to align the expectations between young millennial professionals and their organisations as coaching in a business context should result in mutually beneficial outcomes valued by both the coachee and the organisation.Research purpose: The research reported in this article explored how coaching contributes to the alignment of the psychological contract between an organisation and the young millennial professional.Motivation for the study: The work-related preferences and expectations of millennials can result in misalignment in the psychological contract between organisations and young millennial professionals, negatively affecting their level of engagement; performance and tenure. There is a paucity of research into building psychological contract mutuality and the coaching of millennials.Research approach/design and method: A phenomenological approach within a qualitative research design was followed. This included semi-structured interviews ...
Orientation: Multi-stakeholder contracting provides a platform for the coaching stakeholders: the... more Orientation: Multi-stakeholder contracting provides a platform for the coaching stakeholders: the individual being coached (client), the organisation (sponsor and line manager) and the coach for achieving aligned outcomes within executive coaching. Contracting is not optimally implemented by stakeholders in all three phases of executive coaching (commencement, execution and conclusion).Research purpose: The research’s purpose was to develop a guiding framework for multi-stakeholder contracting in each of the three phases of coaching.Motivation for the study: Stakeholders ensure outcomes achievement for the individual and the organisation in executive coaching. Limited research exists relating to the contractual elements and practices implemented by stakeholders during the three phases of coaching.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative, inductive, exploratory approach using purposive sampling was used to identify 12 participants, consisting of three: executive coaches, cl...
Senior leadership transitions present daunting challenges. To promote inclusive development and c... more Senior leadership transitions present daunting challenges. To promote inclusive development and comply with equal opportunity legislation, South African companies often fasttrack careers of high-potential previously disadvantaged individuals. Organisations typically do not sufficiently support transitioning leaders, possibly acting unethically. The rate of failure is high with devastating effects for the individual and their organisation. The novel, empirically researched Transformative Transition Coaching (TTC) framework helps facilitate deep and lasting changes in meaning perspectives of transitioning leaders through coaching. The ability of the TTC framework to support transitioning leaders is presented in this article.
This chapter summarises my experience of corporate business and its evident need for a more meani... more This chapter summarises my experience of corporate business and its evident need for a more meaningful inclusion of values and culture as the “how we agree to do business” or strategic focus. My passion is for increased performance through alignment in ...
Orientation: Coaching is sometimes used in organisations to assist and support people when they a... more Orientation: Coaching is sometimes used in organisations to assist and support people when they are promoted into senior leadership positions. These coaching interventions are not optimally designed.Research purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate how a transition coaching intervention should be designed to cater specifically for people promoted into senior leadership positions.Motivation for the study: Leaders face daunting challenges when promoted into a senior position. Coaching could offer powerful support, but very little research exists on how to design a transition coaching intervention specifically aimed at supporting recently promoted senior leaders.Research design, approach and method: A constructivist, grounded theory approach using purposeful, theoretical sampling was used to identify 16 participants (recently promoted senior leaders, coaches, Human Resource [HR] partners and a line manager) from various organisations with whom open-ended interviews we...
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Papers by Salome Peter