Research Projects

Coaching and supervision, leadership development, training, group processes

Since 2016	Kassel Coaching Study Process-outcome-study on factors and processes impacting upon coaching effectiveness: surveys (pre-test, post-test, follow-up) and analyses of audiotaped coaching sessions Regular research workshops with coaching practitioners
Since 2016	Research on coaching and supervision Interview and survey studies on coaches‘ approach to the initial diagnostic exploration in coaching (2016-2019) Survey study on the image of supervision and coaching in hospitals (2016-2018) Survey study on coaches‘ practice of supervision (2017-2018) Concept development on mentalizing in individual and team coaching (2016-2018)
2017-2018	Research on training Mixed-methods-study on the influence of training participants‘ diversity on training outcome Survey study on the role of supervisory support for the transfer of training
Since 2010	Evaluation of German-Israeli leadership development and encounter programs (Collaboration project between Kassel University, Chair of Counselling Theory and Methodology and Bertelsmann Foundation): 2015-2017 Evaluation of the program “German-Israeli Young Leaders Exchange (GIYLE)” with a focus on entrepreneurship 2010-2014 Evaluation of the program „X-Change for Competence“ with a focus on leadership in the nonprofit sector
2014-2015	Implementation and evaluation of the pilot project „Mentalizing Vocational Training“ (Collaboration project between Kassel University/ Alpen-Adria-University Klagenfurt, Prof. Dr. Svenja Taubner and the Vocational Training Center of North Hesse)
2003-2006	Research projects on expatriation and repatriation (Research group „Expatriates“ at the Center for Evaluation and Methodology at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn)

Kassel Coaching Study

While coaching effectiveness has been studied extensively and meta-analyses have found positive overall effects of coaching, process research is still at an early stage, particularly with regards to the question what actually happens in coaching beyond self-reports of coach and coachee. The Kassel Coaching Study aims at analyzing processes that take place during coaching sessions and to identify factors that impact upon coaching effectiveness. To this end, process and outcome measures are combined. Questionnaires are delivered to coach and coachee at the beginning and at the end of the coaching process. Possible long-term effects are measured by 6 month-follow-up. In addition, coaching processes are audiotaped and analyzed with a variety of process rating instruments. Coaching practitioners are integrated into the project by means of ongoing research workshops.

Evaluation of the Binational Program „German-Israeli Young Leaders Exchange (GIYLE)“

The program „German-Israeli Young Leaders Exchange“ aims both at intensifying and improving the relations and exchange between Germany and Israel and at building knowledge and experiences on entrepreneurship. The program is designed for twelve German and Israeli leaders respectively, with backgrounds in the private, nonprofit and public sector. Three consecutive cohorts are evaluated (2015-2018). The program evaluation contains both formative aspects aimed at optimizing the program during the implementation phase and to describe and assess learning processes and outcomes. The evaluation is designed as a mixed-methods, longitudinal study encompassing standardized psychometric measures incl. 360°-feedback as well as interviews.

Implementation and Evaluation of the Pilot Project „Mentalizing Vocational Training“

The intervention project „Mentalizing Voacation Training“, a collaboration project between the university of Kassel/Klagenfurt: Prof. Dr. Svenja Taubner) and a vocational training center, aimed at improving the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation. The prevention program was based on the assumption that difficulties of professionals in working with adolescents are related to deficits in mentalizing. Thus, a prevention program was created with the goal to support an enduring mentalizing social system following Twemlow’s and Fonagy’s suggestions for peaceful schools. The program encompassed four modules: psychoeducative training for all professionals within the organization, an ongoing supervision for two selected teams to support transfer of mentalization into daily work, two mentalizing training groups for selected adolescents and the accompanying evaluation including a weekly introvision group among the research team.