AbstractsBusiness Management & Administration

Thesis (M.Phil)—Stellenbosch University, 2016. ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to identify the effect of the Certificate in Coaching Practice programme intervention on raising the interpersonal effectiveness of managers in the context of a metropolitan municipality (municipality). In particular, the focus area of the research was the critical interpersonal skills of rapport building, listening, questioning and emotional intelligence. The research was undertaken at the municipality, with a sample of 12 managers who had successfully completed the coaching intervention at the University of Stellenbosch Business School based in Bellville, South Africa. The researcher used a qualitative research study to achieve the aim of the research. The primary data for this qualitative study was collected from each participant through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, using open-ended questions. The findings confirmed that the four interpersonal skills of rapport building, listening, questioning and emotional intelligence were positively impacted by the coaching intervention. The researcher concluded that the training of the manager-coaches was a milestone reached by the managers, as well as one for the municipality. The trained manager-coaches would facilitate the next phase of the coaching service to the wider municipal community. The researcher believes that the findings underline the significant benefits gained by the managers during the coaching intervention. The managers perceived the impact on their management development to be reflected in themselves being more competent in terms of their management style. The researcher believes that the subordinate staff are now managed more effectively by being empowered in their thinking, which is being stimulated more often through the coaching approach adopted by the managers. The managers’ ability to relate well to others in general, has also improved. The significant coaching moments experienced by the managers or their clients further underlined the positive learning on their coaching journey. The researcher believes that the various recommendations from the participants, for both internal and external interventions, will support the next phase of the coaching journey in the municipality. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar Advisors/Committee Members: Van Schalkwyk, Sharon.