THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS: NAVIGATING THE DANCE OF CHANGE THROUGH EXECUTIVE COACHING by JENNIFER A. NASH Management and Innovation Research Fellow Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Weatherhead School of Management Designing Sustainable Systems CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY May, 2018 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES We hereby approve the thesis/dissertation of Jennifer A. Nash Candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy *. Committee Chair Richard E. Boyatzis, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member David C. Aron, M.D., M.S., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member Melvin Smith, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member Ellen Van Oosten, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Date of defense: March 23, 2018 *We also certify that written approval has been obtained for any proprietary material contained therein. © Jennifer A. Nash, 2018 All rights reserved Dedication To the past, present, and future teachers, professors, coaches, thinking partners, students, and colleagues I had, have, and will have the honor and privilege of learning from throughout my life. You inspire me to learn, grow, and stretch to realize my highest best-self. It is to each of you that I dedicate this work and it is my hope that you find it of value. Thank you for inspiring me on my learning journey. “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” ~ Stephen Hawking ~ Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... x Abstract ............................................................................................................................. xii CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK ................................................... 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 Research Framing ............................................................................................................... 4 Overview of Mixed Methods Design .................................................................................. 8 Overview of Three Phases ................................................................................................ 10 Theory and Literature Review .......................................................................................... 13 Adult Learning Theory .................................................................................................. 14 Change Theory .............................................................................................................. 17 Self-Determination Theory ........................................................................................... 20 Coaching Relationship Theory ...................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 2: DEVELOPMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE LEADERS: A LIFE STORY VIEW OF EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................. 25 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 25 Literature Review.............................................................................................................. 26 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 26 Review of Research .......................................................................................................... 28 Research Design................................................................................................................ 33 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 33 Sample ........................................................................................................................... 34 Data Collection .............................................................................................................. 36 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 37 Discoveries ........................................................................................................................ 38 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 46 Theme 1: Lifelong Learners .......................................................................................... 47 Theme 2: Environmental Aesthetic ............................................................................... 48 Theme 3: Awareness of Others and Self ....................................................................... 50 Implications for Future Research ...................................................................................... 51 Implications for Practice ................................................................................................... 53 Limitations ........................................................................................................................ 55 v Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 56 CHAPTER 3: UNDERSTANDING DRIVERS OF COACHING RELATIONSHIP QUALITY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELATIONAL CLIMATE AND PERCEIVED QUALITY OF EMPLOYEE-COACHING RELATIONSHIP ................. 57 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 57 Theory Development and Hypotheses .............................................................................. 59 Relationship between Shared Vision and Coaching Relationship Quality ................... 61 Relationship between Compassion and Coaching Relationship Quality ...................... 61 Relationship between Relational Energy and Coaching Relationship Quality ............. 62 Methods............................................................................................................................. 62 Data Collection .............................................................................................................. 62 Survey Process .............................................................................................................. 63 Survey Instruments ........................................................................................................ 64 Sample ........................................................................................................................... 64 Constructs and Measures ............................................................................................... 65 Data Analysis............................................................................................................. 66 Exploratory Factor Analysis ...................................................................................... 68 Confirmatory Factor Analysis ................................................................................... 69 Structural Equation Model Analysis ......................................................................... 70 Results ............................................................................................................................... 71 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 71 Future Research ................................................................................................................ 73 Practical Implications........................................................................................................ 74 Limitations ........................................................................................................................ 76 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 77 CHAPTER 4: KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING QUALITY COACHING RELATIONSHIPS: THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE COMPETENCIES ............................................................................................................ 78 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 78 Literature Review.............................................................................................................. 79 Methods............................................................................................................................. 83 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 83 Sample ........................................................................................................................... 85 Data Collection .............................................................................................................. 87 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................