Marieta du Plessis, Shunè Carelse, Linda Ronnie
Abstract
This study investigates the extent to which Industrial-Organisational Psychologists (IOPs), often employed in Human Resource Management (HRM) roles in South African organisations, are equipped to use counselling and coaching methods to support employee flourishing. A qualitative research design was used with convenience and snowball sampling. Twelve IOPs from the Western Cape Province, South Africa, participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five key areas: IOPs’ conceptual clarity of counselling and flourishing; their practical exposure to flourishing-focused interventions; their perceived competence to facilitate such outcomes; barriers and constraints experienced in counselling for flourishing; and the use of coaching as a complementary or preferred approach. Findings suggest that while most participants favoured coaching over counselling, many demonstrated limited training in flourishing-specific methods. The study recommends enhancing IOP preparation and workplace HR practices through positive psychology and coaching integration, especially in complex organisational contexts.