Coaching in Hybrid Workplace: An Examination of Face-to-Face and Online Coaching to Enhance Self-Efficacy and Knowledge Creation

This study, grounded in Bandura's social cognitive theory, investigates the effects of coaching on knowledge creation and the mediating effect of self-efficacy. Utilizing data from a 3-wave longitudinal field study involving 290 employees within a top 100 chain enterprise in China, analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The findings reveal that face-to-face facilitation positively influences all four dimensions of knowledge creation, while face-to-face guidance has a diminishing effect on most dimensions. Interestingly, online guidance demonstrates a positive impact on the combination and internationalization while online facilitation did not affect any SECI process. Furthermore, the study identified that self-efficacy at work serves as a mediator in the relationship between face-to-face facilitation and knowledge creation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.