A systematic literature review of artificial intelligence (AI) in coaching: insights for future research and product development

Jonathan Passmore · David Tee

49 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Work-Applied Management

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Coaching Methods and Impact Artificial Intelligence Applications AI and HR Technologies

Abstract

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to dramatically change the human approaches to work, and specifically to learning and development. While AI coaching can reduce costs and increase accessibility, it also presents both opportunities and threats to human coaches. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed research on the use of AI in coaching. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) method was used to search eight databases for articles produced up to March 2024. Data extraction was conducted, with Quality Assessment undertaken independently, in parallel, using two researchers and a third arbiter. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A narrative synthesis of a total of 16 quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method studies covering n = 2312. Findings The SLR identified four key themes: Research design and AI integration, AI usefulness in coaching, impact of AI coaching and ethical considerations. The findings suggest that AI coaches can be effective, accepted, useful and match human coaches in competence for specific tasks. Practical implications AI coaching is a growing area of practice and research. This paper brings together the literature and identifies future research priorities and potential next steps in AI coach development. Originality/value The paper uses clinical research SLR methods applying these robust processes to the field of organisational research, to set a new standard through the use of a pre-determined research protocol, quality assessment and ROB, well providing a comprehensive literature review of AI coaching.

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References

2021The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews 2009Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement 1995The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation.2016ROBINS-I: a tool for assessing risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions 2023Opinion Paper: “So what if ChatGPT wrote it?” Multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities, challenges and implications of generative conversational AI for research, practice and policy 2014Empathy: A Review of the Concept 2013Does coaching work? A meta-analysis on the effects of coaching on individual level outcomes in an organizational context 2011Reviewing studies with diverse designs: the development and evaluation of a new tool

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