Published 25-06-2026
Keywords
- coaching,
- methodology,
- taxonomy,
- competencies,
- integration
Copyright (c) 2026 István Kunos

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Coaching has become increasingly popular over the past two decades, going beyond the framework of traditional training and consulting forms. This development requires the systematization of methodological elements, which is essential for the professionalization of the coaching industry, the quality of training and the reliability of research. The study proposes a five-dimensional taxonomy that integrates the principles of international professional organizations (ICF, EMCC) and systemic and solution-oriented coaching approaches. The five dimensions – communication techniques, cognitive-psychological strategies, systemic approach, goal- and outcome-oriented structures, and ethical and reflective competencies – provide a framework that helps to transparently evaluate coaching processes and measure effectiveness. The proposed model aims to build a bridge between coaching theory, practice and scientific research.
References
- Bachkirova, T., Spence, G., Drake, D. (2017): The SAGE handbook of coaching. London: Sage.
- Boyatzis, R. E., Smith, M. L., Van Oosten, E. (2019): Helping people change: Coaching with compassion for lifelong learning and growth. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
- Cavanaugh, M. J. (2006): Coaching from a systemic perspective: A complex adaptive conversation. In: Stober, D. R., Grant, A. M. (szerk.) Evidence based coaching handbook. New York: Wiley, pp. 313–354.
- Clutterbuck, D. (2016): Coaching the team at work. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
- Cox, E., Bachkirova, T. and Clutterbuck, D. (2018): The complete handbook of coaching. London: Sage.
- De Haan, E. (2008): Relational coaching: Journeys towards mastering one-to-one learning. Chichester: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119206316
- De Haan, E., Culpin, V., Curd, J. (2011): Executive coaching in practice: What determines helpfulness for clients of coaching? Personnel Review, 40(1), pp. 24–44. https://doi.org/10.1108/00483481111095500
- De Shazer, S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., Trepper, T., Mccollum, E., Berg, I. K. (2007): More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. New York: Routledge.
- EMCC (2023): EMCC professional practice framework. London: EMCC.
- Grant, A. M. (2017): The third ‘generation’ of workplace coaching: Creating a culture of quality conversations. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 10(1), pp. 37–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/17521882.2016.1266005
- Hawkins, P. (2021): Leadership team coaching: Developing collective transformational leadership. London: Kogan Page.
- Hawkins, P., Smith, N. (2013): Coaching, Mentoring and Organizational Consultancy: Supervision, Skills and Development. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
- Hawkins, P., Turner, E. (2019): Systemic coaching: Delivering value beyond the individual. London: Kogan Page.
- ICF (2021): Core competencies of professional coaching. Lexington, KY: International Coaching Federation.
- Ives, Y. (2008): What is 'coaching'? An exploration of conflicting paradigms. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, 6(2), pp. 100–113.
- Kimsey-House, H., Kimsey-House, K., Sandahl, P., Whitworth, L. (2018): Co-active coaching: The proven framework for transformative conversations at work and in life. 4th edn. Boston: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
- Neenan, M. and Palmer, S. (2012): Cognitive behavioural coaching in practice. London: Routledge.
- O'Connor, S, Cavanagh, M. (2013): The coaching ripple effect: The effects of developmental coaching on wellbeing across organisational networks. Psychology of Well-Being, 3, Paper 2., https://doi.org/10.1186/2211-1522-3-2
- Palmer, S., Whybrow, A. (2018): Handbook of coaching psychology: A guide for practitioners. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.
- Passmore, J., Fillery-Travis, A. (2011): A critical review of executive coaching research: A decade of progress and what's to come. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 4(2), pp. 70–88., https://doi.org/10.1080/17521882.2011.596484
- Rock, D. (2009): Your brain at work: Strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus, and working smarter all day long. New York: HarperBusiness.
- Theeboom, T., Beersma, B., Van Vianen, A. (2014): Does coaching work? A meta-analysis on the effects of coaching on individual level outcomes in an organizational context. Journal of Positive Psychology, 9(1), pp. 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2013.837499
- Whitmore, J. (2017): Coaching for performance: The principles and practice of coaching and leadership. 5th edn. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.