Implementing Self-determination and Coaching Practices in the Case Organization

Abstract

Today’s work life is becoming more complex to keep up with the change in fast paste in traditional hierarchical organizations. They need to change and become more agile. In this study, the case organization has chosen to change its way of acting to a more self-determent in everyday work. The case organization in this thesis is the Governments Employment office in Porvoo. Government has a desire to lower the management and give more autonomy to employees. Increasing autonomy and responsibility for own work appear to bring better results, make the work more meaningful and support the wellbeing of personnel.

The main objective for this thesis was to make a plan to implement best practices of selfdetermination and coaching in the case organization. First, the current state analysis was done to get a picture of the current state of self-determination and coaching in the case organization. Data was collected mainly by conducting interviews, workshops and discussions. The majority of personnel in the case organization participated. The current state analysis showed that even if organizations are self-determined, managers are needed.

The outcome of the thesis is a plan how to improve the self-determination and coaching practices in the case organization. The thesis recommends that the employees need support and encouraging, and without managers, support and walking along with the process, selfdetermination won’t establish itself to an everyday way of acting. It needs time, patience and effort from all parts involved but there is the will to work for it. The study also recommends specific actions how to implement best practices of self-determination and coaching in the case organization.