For Immediate Release

January 31, 2007

What Makes Coaching Work?
Foundation Supports Research to Find Out

The Foundation of Coaching, a new non-profit organization that promotes coaching worldwide, aims to help discover what makes coaching work – and how it can be leveraged to help people all over the world lead more productive, satisfying lives.

According to Dr. Mary Wayne Bush, director of the Foundation’s Research Division, “We support a broad research agenda, including how, when, where and why coaching works; what the dynamics are between coach and client; what approaches, theories, models and fundamental assumptions inform coaching, as a practice and as a profession; and how coaching is similar to and distinct from other practices and disciplines.”

As part of The Foundation’s strategy to provide a non-commercial independent resource for coaching research, education, practice and communication, its Research Division
offers grants to encourage exploration and inquiry about this relatively new field. Researchers need not be affiliated with academic institutions, but must be qualified or work under a mentor or supervisor. The Foundation looks for projects that will contribute to the development of the profession. Matching funds are required for most projects, and grants can be made to institutions as well as individuals.

The Foundation of Coaching Research Division hosts a panel of advisors from leading institutions around the world, including Dr. James Hunt from Babson University, Dr. Alison Carter from the UK's Institute for Employment Studies, Dr. Dianne Stober, from Fielding Graduate University, Dr. John Bennett, from Queens University of Charlotte, and Dr. Michael Cavanaugh of the University of Sydney. The panelists are all leading-edge contributors in the arena of coaching-related research, speaking at major conferences and publishing on the subject. They are actively engaged in the review and approval of research grant projects.

For those interested in reading current research about coaching, the Foundation offers archives of research reports in the Research Repository on its site, www.thefoundationofcoaching.org. This information is free and available to the public. Peer-reviewed articles are welcomed for submission.

In addition, the Research Division also connects volunteers with coaching-related research projects in which they can participate, and matches beginning researchers with mentors who can help them do a project of their own.

“Research in this field is increasing, as the interest in coaching grows. Every bit of information counts to demonstrate the validity and efficacy of coaching as a personal and professional resource,” adds Dr. Bush, “and the Foundation of Coaching’s grant program exists to help make that happen.”

About The Foundation of Coaching:
The Foundation of Coaching is a non-profit, noncommercial, independent resource for coaching research, education, practice, and communication. The Foundation of Coaching is dedicated to the development of coaching, and believes coaching is making a positive difference in the world through the lives of individuals. The Foundation of Coaching comprises dedicated coaches, clients, researchers, and educators working together towards the advancement of coaching as a profession.
For additional information about The Foundation of Coaching, visit: www.thefoundationofcoaching.org