CHAPTER 9
Coaching from a Cultural Perspective
PHILIPPE ROSINSKI AND GEOFFREY N. ABBOTT
COACHING FROM A CULTURAL perspective requires a willingness by the coach to explore and make use of the influence of culture as it operates within client contexts. We do not see the consideration of culture as an extra or different way of coaching. Taking a cultural perspective will enhance the impact of any coaching intervention. Consistent with the general philosophy of coaching, it will bring to the surface relevant issues and assumptions related to culture and to harness them toward unleashing client potential and facilitating positive change. This chapter highlights the benefits leveraging differences that may be culturally based, rather than treating them as obstacles, threats, or irrelevancies. The evidence for the work—in addition to the research base for coaching generally—is from a very large body of research literature including material from cross-cultural psychology, intercultural communication, cultural values and dimensions, international business, and anthropology. Much of the material here is drawn from Philippe Rosinski’s book Coaching across Cultures: New Tools for Leveraging National, Corporate and Professional Differences (Rosinski, 2003a), including the concept of a Global Coaching Process. Global coaching invites coaches and clients to connect their personal voyages with the journeys of their families, friends, work colleagues, organizations, communities, and society ...