Ethics

Ethical standards

Code of Ethics and Global Code of Ethics

Coaching is not a place for moral instruction, but a free space for open questioning and shared reflection.

Our Code of Ethics comprises anthropological principles and ethical standards. It therefore does not merely, or primarily, provide specific rules for moral conduct, but rather offers guidance for ethical reflection. Each of the eleven chapters identifies a general anthropological principle from which conclusions regarding coaching and the coaches’ fundamental ethical understanding, as well as guiding principles for practice, are derived.

Furthermore, as an IOBC Signatory, we are active contributors to the Global Code of Ethics. The Code is intended as a guide and source of guidance, setting out expectations for best practice in coaching. In this way, too, we promote the continuous development of professional practice worldwide.

Both sets of guidelines provide concrete guidance for coaches on maintaining a compassionate attitude and acting professionally.

Our professional ethics consist of:

anthropological principles,
resultant ethical standards and
guiding maximes.

Coaching is not a place for moral instruction.
It is a free space for open questioning and joint reflection.

Code of ethics

Our professional ethics are based on eleven fundamental anthropological principles providing coaches with practical maxims for action.

1. Dignity of the person

The basic equivalence of the persons involved in professional settings can be derived from dignity. It applies in an overarching existential sense, even if the consulting relationship implies an asymmetry (the professional consultant has a control task).

2. Worldliness of human beings

In coaching, the focus is on the human being in all his or her life references.

3. Humans as a dialogic being

In its capacity as professional "work on people", coaching promotes the client's willingness and ability to engage in dialog and is itself a model for dialogic action.

4. Non-reducibility of human beings

Coaching serves both to promote the clients' ability to function and to reflect and strengthen the value of their humanity beyond their respective roles and functions.

5. Human beings’ openness to development

In addition, during the consulting relationship, the coach contributes to the client becoming what he can and wants to be.

6. Freewill / autonomy of humans

On the one hand, the coach supports the perception of the historical, social and situational conditions of the client's respective reality and, on the other hand, the creative, formative handling of these conditions.

7. Unity of human beings

The coach addresses all three dimensions of the client (body, soul, spirit).

8. Limits of cognitive faculty

A coach is aware of the limitations of his cognitive possibilities.

9. Significance of work

Coaching as job-related consulting supports the client in his endeavors for the success of professional work.

10. Human beings in institutions

Insofar as work takes place in institutional contexts, the coach supports the perception and reflection of the respective institutional conditions in their ambiguities.

11. Power in interpersonal relationships

Since managers have to influence other people, the coach supports the conscious perception and application of power within the framework of legitimate interests. It distinguishes power from influence and from the often synonymously used concept of violence as an instrumental disposition skill.

Global Code of Ethics

The IOBC is a signatory to and an active contributor to the current revised version of the Global Code of Ethics. The Code is intended as a guide and source of guidance, setting out expectations for best practice in coaching. Particularly against the backdrop of increasing market uncertainty, this commitment sends a strong signal in favour of transparency, quality and international standards in business coaching.

* The Global Code of Ethics will soon be available in German and other languages as well.

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