Coaching and Cross-Cultural Transitions: a narrative inquiry approach

Abstract

This article explores the use of a narrative inquiry approach as a research method for research on coaching practice. It is based on an MA research project on the application of developmental theory to the construction of a stage model for use in cross-cultural coaching practice. Seven international students at a UK university business school related their experiences of living in the UK and how it affected their perspectives of themselves and their meaning-making processes. The article attempts to address three questions: what purpose can narrative inquiry serve in coaching research? What are the pitfalls of a narrative inquiry approach? And perhaps most importantly, how useful could a narrative inquiry be in showing up cultural bias in developmental theory? Initial findings and emerging future research themes are highlighted.

Keywords

• narrative inquiry
• cross-cultural coaching
• developmental theory
• narratives and identity