Journeys towards the professionalisation of coaching: Dilemmas, dialogues and decisions along the global pathway

Abstract

The term ‘profession’ derives from the Latin word ‘profiteor’ meaning to profess. Professionalisation is the process whereby a gainful activity moves from the status of ‘occupation’ to the status of ‘profession’. Claims for professional status and the emergence of standards and awards are typical of the journey that occupations make (or attempt to make) towards professionalisation. However, some occupations fall short of the mark or, at best, become semi-professions with shorter training, less specialised knowledge; and more societal (state) control. If coaching is to become a profession it must adopt criteria such as the development of an agreed and unified body of knowledge, professional standards and qualifications, and codes of ethics and behaviour. While some of these are already completed or in development, the continuation of a growing multiplicity of coaching associations suggests that the pathway of coaching to professionalisation may be at best bumpy, and at worst derailed.

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