Designing Entrepreneurial Coaching Capabilities Model in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Objective: Entrepreneurial coaching is a developmental intervention designed for entrepreneurs at various stages of the entrepreneurial process, based on a collaborative relationship with a professional coach. The significance of entrepreneurial coaching lies in its ability to enhance resilience and improve performance outcomes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurial coaching capabilities refer to structured support and guidance provided to entrepreneurs to enhance their decision-making, leadership, and overall business performance. Given that SMEs are recognized as key drivers of economic growth, effective coaching has become increasingly critical in helping these businesses navigate complex market challenges and capitalize on opportunities for innovation and expansion. This research aims to develop a model of entrepreneurial coaching capabilities.

Methodology: This applied research employed a meta-synthesis method based on document analysis. The seven-step framework of Sandowski and Barroso (2007) was used to conduct the study. The research parameters included the following: research questions ("What are the entrepreneurial coaching capabilities for coaches?" and "What are the entrepreneurial coaching capabilities for mentees?"), target population (Scopus database), study timeframe (2012–2025), and research method (internet-based search strategies). The keywords used in this study included capability, coaching, entrepreneurial coaching, entrepreneurial coaching capability, and SMEs. The search yielded a total of 3,456 keywords from English-language articles. A total of 62 articles were selected as the sample. The CASP tool was used to evaluate the studies. Additionally, Holsti’s reliability coefficient method was employed to assess the reliability of the meta-synthesis in terms of the coding performed. Through the extraction of concepts and the implementation of coding procedures, an expert panel consisting of three academic specialists was formed. This panel reviewed the initial codes and categories, ultimately proposing a conceptual framework of the categories.

Findings: This study analyzed the model of entrepreneurial coaching capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The dimensions and components of the model were identified and extracted using the meta-synthesis method. The meta-synthesis results revealed that existing literature categorizes entrepreneurial coaching capabilities into two dimensions: the coach and the Coachee. At the end of the open coding process, 262 concepts were labeled. During the axial coding phase, upon re-examining the concepts, sub-categories were identified and categorized. In the selective coding stage, the components identified in the axial coding phase were analyzed and classified into 14 main dimensions. The coaches' capabilities comprised six dimensions: entrepreneurial skills, psychological capabilities, strategic capabilities, operational capabilities, cognitive capabilities, and knowledge—encompassing 20 components and 103 indicators. The coaches' capabilities included eight dimensions: specialized knowledge, skills, operational capabilities, emotional capabilities, communication capabilities, functional capabilities, personal capabilities, and cognitive capabilities—consisting of 33 components and 159 indicators. Finally, the relationships between these capabilities were categorized into four key capability groups: Knowledge and Skill Transfer, Psychological Growth, Strategic Empowerment, Support and Personal Development.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that entrepreneurial coaching profoundly impacts coachees' success through four key capabilities: strategic empowerment, psychological growth, knowledge and skill transfer, and support and personal development. Among these, strategic empowerment serves as the core, playing a decisive role in guiding entrepreneurs' practical actions, while psychological growth and personal support provide the necessary foundation for resilience and motivation. Knowledge transfer bridges theory and practice. This dynamic interaction among capabilities ensures the effectiveness of coaching in SMEs.