Coaching has emerged from a Western perspective, which may not be appropriate across cultures; given the multi-cultural nature of societies and workplaces today. If we as a profession accept that a mono-cultural approach to coaching is inappropriate, it may be seen that a gap exists in the body of knowledge relative to cross-cultural coaching, that this study addresses.

 

This gap ranges from factors that distinguish a cross-cultural approach from a mono-cultural approach. It extends to a lack of guidance concerning the attitudes, skills and knowledge required to practice cross-culturally and the sharing of best practice.   This culminates in a lack of understanding, confidence and skills for coaching as a profession in a cross-cultural context and means that coaches are often operating from within a 'blind spot'; unaware of the impact of culture.

 

As a result of my research I developed a model entitled, “The Cross-Cultural Coaching Kaleidoscope: A systems perspective”.  The model provides a template to review cultural aspects and to consider areas that the coach may otherwise not address; that may be hidden in their blindspots.   A case study is underway that further explores its suitability for practice.