Self-determination theory: A theoretical framework for group supervision with internal coaches

Abstract

Within the literature on coaching supervision, most studies relate to supervision for full-time coaching practitioners. This paper presents the results of an integrated literature review into coaching supervision for internal coaches who have coaching in addition to their technical role. As well as answering specific research questions, emergent data showed internal coaches using group supervision for competence, relatedness and whether they have autonomy; purposes synonymous with the psychological needs within Self-determination theory (SDT). This paper proposes SDT as an evidence-based theoretical framework for supervisors to understand these areas in group supervision with internal coaches, whilst also making suggestions for further research.