SCOPE, ICF USA launch first-of-its-kind coaching study to build leadership framework for Indian PSUs

In a significant move aimed at institutionalising leadership transformation across India’s Public Sector Enterprises, the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) has joined hands with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), USA to launch a unique and comprehensive study on the “State of Coaching in Indian PSEs.” The initiative is being positioned as a pioneering intervention to map the present coaching ecosystem within PSUs and create a tailor-made evidence-based coaching framework for the Indian public sector.

The landmark study seeks to understand the current coaching landscape, organisational culture, and leadership preparedness across Public Sector Undertakings through a combination of primary and secondary data collection techniques. Based on its findings, the study will formulate a strategic roadmap to help PSUs integrate coaching into their institutional processes while simultaneously building robust internal coaching capabilities.

Leveraging the combined expertise of SCOPE — the apex body representing Central Public Sector Enterprises — and ICF, the world’s foremost professional coaching association, the initiative is expected to redefine leadership excellence in the Indian PSU ecosystem. The collaboration is a continuation of the long-term Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two organisations earlier this year to promote coaching-led leadership development and strengthen human capital in India’s public sector.

What makes the study particularly significant is its focus on quantifying the tangible business impact of coaching. Unlike conventional leadership training modules, this initiative will attempt to scientifically establish how structured coaching can improve managerial effectiveness, employee engagement, decision-making, succession planning, and sustainable business performance within PSUs. The final framework is expected to provide specialised tools, measurable benchmarks, and institutional mechanisms for embedding a coaching culture in public enterprises.

SCOPE Director General Atul Sobti has described the initiative as part of SCOPE’s broader mission to build future-ready, globally competitive leadership within Indian PSEs. The study is also being seen as an extension of SCOPE’s recent leadership capacity-building interventions such as the DAKSH programme, indicating the apex body’s growing emphasis on professionalising management excellence in the public sector.

With Indian PSUs increasingly operating in a competitive, technology-driven and globally benchmarked business environment, experts believe this SCOPE-ICF collaboration could mark the beginning of a new era where coaching is no longer viewed as an auxiliary HR activity but as a strategic governance and leadership instrument.