Abstract

This paper introduces executive coaching as an object of research for applied linguistics. Unlike other types of professional discourse such as psychotherapeutic talk, this relatively recent, yet booming format in human resource development has received little if any attention in our field. As language and communication are both the primary means and the primary method in coaching, a functional linguistic description of its underlying (coaching-specific) communicative practices is highly relevant for linguists and coaching practitioners alike: Applied linguists discover a new and stirring communicative activity and extend their understanding of professional and institutionalized discourse, while coaches are offered the possibility to heighten their awareness of their own professional communicative activities. Moreover, AL can contribute its expertise in discourse practice and discourse consultancy, as linguistic findings make a valuable contribution to the ongoing professionalization and accreditation debate in the coaching business. This paper lays out the special requirements of a project that functionally describes executive coaching for the first time and at the same time aims to generate findings of practical value.