Research Paper: Using Coaching to Impact Organizational Culture

Research Paper By Jahnavi Gurjer
(Executive Coach, INDIA)

Ajay landed at Zurich airport a few minutes past 5pm and was just in time to catch the last glimpse of the setting sun behind the icy peaks. It was his moment of sheer bliss, a moment he would have cherished for all of eternity had the loud ringtone of his mobile phone not disturbed him. Neel who was working as the Director of R&D in his organization had just resigned threatening to take with him key people who were critical to the aerospace research division.

Ajay was furious, he was in Zurich specifically to strike a multi-million dollar deal with a global aerospace company headquartered here. The resignation didn’t surprise him since he was aware of the undercurrents brewing between several of his leadership team members and the impact it was having on the overall productivity of his organization. However Ajay felt very helpless and lost as he picked up his bags and headed out of the airport.

Organization Culture is a system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs, which govern how people behave in organizations. These shared values have a strong influence on the people in the organization and dictate how they dress, act and behave in their jobs.

The truth of the matter is that no one person can change an entire culture. Influencing culture requires obtaining the trust and enhancing the motivation and capabilities of those who follow. The leader has the potential to create the setting that becomes a powerful source of identification and commitment for employees (Schein, 1992). Coaching can help leaders achieve this.