The coach bots are coming: exploring global coaches’ attitudes and responses to the threat of AI coaching

Diller, S. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7188-7548, Stenzel, L.-C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8651-1419 and Passmore, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0832-7510 (2024) The coach bots are coming: exploring global coaches’ attitudes and responses to the threat of AI coaching. Human Resource Development International, 27 (4). pp. 597-621. ISSN 1469-8374 doi: 10.1080/13678868.2024.2375934

Abstract/Summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) in business coaching, as in other human resource development professional service roles, opens up the possibility of multiple chances, such as cost- and time-effective gains. However, as AI can act autonomously and may surpass human performance, it can both lead to unforeseen risks as well as create a threat for professional service workers, including business coaches. Using a within-subject threat manipulation design, the present research investigated whether business coaches (N = 436; from over 50 different countries) respond to the topic of AI in coaching with heightened threat-related affective states and how this change affects their attitude towards the topic. Expectedly, the topic evoked higher behavioral inhibition and lower behavioral activation threat-related affective states, leading to lower curiosity in and a more negative opinion of AI in coaching. Theoretical and practical implications are addressed to lower the coaches’ threat-related affective states towards AI application in professional services. A hybrid approach between responsible AI and an ethically skilled and professionally trained coach is recommended.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/117774
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/13678868.2024.2375934
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation
Publisher	Routledge
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