A systematic literature review of digital coaching: Insights for learning and development in the workplace

Purpose

This study examined the methods, processes, and outcomes of digital coaching by undertaking a systematic review of peer-reviewed published papers.

Design

Eight databases were searched using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method for articles published between 1st January 1990 and 1st September 2024. Two researchers and a third arbiter conducted a quality assessment using theROBINS-I tool to evaluate the quality of the papers and the risk of bias in the included studies. They conducted the reviews independently and simultaneously.Following a search identified n = 355 possible papers and screening of duplicate and excluded studies, a narrative synthesis of 27 quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods studies was completed.

Findings

The SLR identified four key themes: defining digital coaching, its growth, impact, and ethical considerations.

Research limitations

The study reflects the coaching field, which remains relatively immature as a research area.

PracticalImplications

The evidence suggests that digital coaching delivers positive results and comparable outcomes to face-to-face coaching for organisations and leaders, managers and individual contributors.

Originality

This paper represents the first SLR of digital coaching. It employs clinical research standards such as the use of Quality Assessment and Risk of Bias evaluations, which have yet to be widely embraced in SLR management research.

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