The coaching model derivation process: combining grounded theory and canonical action research for developing coaching models

ABSTRACT Coaching as a practice borrows from many related fields. The problem is that most of the coaching models in use have not been tested or validated for the coaching context. If coaching is to be taken seriously, it needs to derive its own models that are methodologically rigorous, theoretically grounded and empirically informed. The Coaching Model Derivation Process (CMDP) offers a possible solution. The CMDP is a five-step conceptual process that combines grounded theory principles and canonical action research to systematically create rigorous, empirically-based and domain-specific coaching models. By following the CMDP, coaching researchers can derive coaching models that are fit for purpose given a specific coaching problem domain. These models can, in turn, be used by coaching practitioners in situations where a focussed coaching approach is needed to address a known problem situation. It is hoped that through using empirically derived coaching models, coaching efficacy could be improved and moreover, the perception challenged that coaching practice is not evidence-based.