Morality on the executive's couch: Ethical perspectives on coaching psychology, theory and praxis

Abstract

Coaching is one of the fastest growing industries. However, ethical insights on coaching are not developing at the same rate. Even highly qualified coaches can find themselves involved in serious ethical issues, especially in a multicultural context. This chapter is a philosophical and normative analysis from a meta-theoretical literature review. Ethical issues are identified, questionable approaches in coaching psychology is critiqued and a model for ethical coaching in a multi-cultural context is developed under eight themes: Coaching regulation, scientific foundation, normative issues, diagnostic assessments, confidentiality and conflicting interests, dependency, keeping coaching boundaries and coaching proficiency. Coaching ethically is complex and fraught with ethical issues that can easily be missed. Identification of the ethical issues in coaching psychology creates better understanding of potential ethical pitfalls and how to avoid them. This can lead to a more ethical, and thus sustainable coaching industry.