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1 – 10 of over 18000Many of today’s top organizations have implemented formal mentoring programs as a vital strategy to attract, develop, and retain talent. Human resource professionals have long…
Abstract
Many of today’s top organizations have implemented formal mentoring programs as a vital strategy to attract, develop, and retain talent. Human resource professionals have long recognized mentoring programs as an effective method to grow their organization’s intellectual capital and remain competitive. Both qualitative and quantitative research found that mentored employees experience job satisfaction, productivity and career advancement, which in turn creates profitability and cost savings for organizations. Historically, formal workplace mentoring programs were for a select number of employees. Due to time and geography constraints, face-to-face meetings between mentor and protégé were difficult to coordinate. While traditional mentoring programs provide benefit, logistics prohibit these relationships from taking full progression, giving rise to a new alternative: E-Mentoring. E-Mentoring lowers hurdles to participation using synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated means. Technological advances and forms of computer-mediated communication such as emails, chat groups, and video conferencing offer the potential for enhancing the E-Mentoring process. These new methods help to transcend functional, sectoral, and hierarchical barriers of formal mentoring relationships. Also, the non-face-to-face nature of the E-Mentoring relationship overcomes traditional barriers of age, race, gender, and status, which might negatively affect a traditional mentoring relationship. This chapter defines and compares traditional mentoring with E-Mentoring. It discusses the benefits and challenges of using technology or computer-mediated communication (CMC) for mentoring purposes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how organizations can implement E-Mentoring as a professional development tool in the age of technology.
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This paper aims to explore why creating a mentoring culture can help to transform businesses and solve key recruitment, training and development and retention issues. It looks at…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore why creating a mentoring culture can help to transform businesses and solve key recruitment, training and development and retention issues. It looks at what a mentoring culture is and the benefits and provides advice for companies on how to build this kind of culture.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper considers the approach taken by leadership coaching company The OCM to develop effective coaching and mentoring programmes which can contribute to organisational success in an ever-changing business environment. This paper explores current business challenges and how they can be overcome.
Findings
Creating a mentoring culture can transform a business. It can address many talent and leadership-based challenges and tap into the potential of knowledge transfer across a multi-generational workplace. The paper includes two case studies of organisations whose experiences of mentoring and coaching have been overwhelmingly positive and led to much-needed cultural shifts.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to raise awareness of the benefits of mentoring and coaching as an effective method for attracting, developing and retaining people and meeting the challenges of a modern workplace.
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The aim of the article is to explore how mentoring can act as a strategy for developing talent of the emerging young workforce, which predominantly comprises Gen Y and Gen Z.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the article is to explore how mentoring can act as a strategy for developing talent of the emerging young workforce, which predominantly comprises Gen Y and Gen Z.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is authored by an independent writer who provides insightful commentary and contextualizes the articles.
Findings
To gain a competitive edge, firms must adapt to modern ways of Talent Development that foster a passion for work among new hires. Modern ways of mentoring such as Reverse Mentoring, Group Mentoring, Distance Mentoring or Anonymous Mentoring, Flash Mentoring or Speed Mentoring, Peer Mentoring can enable employers to be proactive in managing talent and foster better intergenerational relationships at the workplace.
Practical implications
As Gen Y and Gen Z are redefining workplace norms, it is crucial for HR partitioners to find out new ways to align the entire HR function with the needs of these tech-savvy generations and ensure they can perform to their potential. This study sheds light on various Mentoring methods, which managers can use to transform conventional approaches to Talent Development.
Originality/value
The briefing streamlines the reading process for busy executives and researchers by curating the most relevant information and presenting it in a concise and user-friendly format, allowing them to save time and quickly absorb key insights.
The purpose of this study was to make sense of the individual perspectives of former undergraduate student mentors from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to make sense of the individual perspectives of former undergraduate student mentors from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields who took part in an after-school STEM mentoring program. The study examined the following research questions: (1) How do former undergraduate student STEM mentors interpret and give meaning to their after-school STEM mentoring experiences? (2) In what way can an after-school STEM mentoring experience lead to a deeper understanding of the long-term implications of a STEM mentorship program?
Design/methodology/approach
The sample comprised 21 former undergraduate STEM mentors. The study was guided by the methods of content analysis and repertory grid (RepGrid), with data collected via highly structured interviews. Eight elements were pre-selected for the RepGrid to elicit constructs from participants. These include (1) mentoring, (2) teaching, (3) research, (4) career, (5) workforce, (6) Nebraska STEM for you (NE STEM 4U), (7) networking, and (8) communication. The researcher employed content analysis for cross-case analysis and used interpretative clustering to analyze nuanced similarities and differences among participants. Personal construct theory was used to understand how former STEM mentors made sense of their experiences.
Findings
The results highlight the diversity of viewpoints among participants, as well as their connections to various career paths, communication strategies, and mentorship styles. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how STEM mentorship experiences can be tailored to the experiences of mentees. The study stresses the significance of clear communication in STEM and advises professionals to avoid excessive technical jargon to convey complex ideas. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the motivations, perspectives, and benefits of former undergraduate mentors. Ultimately, recognizing how these factors impact STEM mentoring programs is vital for the long-term success and advancement of the STEM pipeline.
Research limitations/implications
The study has several limitations, including the inclusion of participants lacking knowledge or experience with the eight elements used in the RepGrids. While participants had completed a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, not all had pursued advanced schooling or careers that required knowledge or implementation of research.
Practical implications
Findings underscore the importance of acknowledging the diverse career paths within STEM fields to understand participants’ perspectives toward mentorship. Considering the incorporation of STEM mentorship within regular school hours and making it a graduation prerequisite could enhance student participation and advancement. Integrating STEM outreach programs into higher education curricula could facilitate the development of essential professional skills (e.g. critical thinking, problem-solving) among STEM undergraduate students. These implications highlight the importance of diverse mentorship styles and professional skills to foster a more inclusive STEM workforce.
Originality/value
The study focused on the individual perspectives of participants rather than employing a thematic analysis.
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The international mentoring literature predominantly features traditional company-assigned expatriates as protégés overlooking other types of global talent, such as immigrants…
Abstract
Purpose
The international mentoring literature predominantly features traditional company-assigned expatriates as protégés overlooking other types of global talent, such as immigrants, refugees, and international graduates, who may help organizations gain long-term IHRM competitive advantages. We integrate multidisciplinary research to better understand the role of mentoring as a global talent management tool, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
We draw on an integrative review of 71 academic journal articles published between 1999 and 2024 to explore the role of mentoring in managing global talent (i.e. expatriates, immigrants, refugees, and international students and graduates).
Findings
We found that research has identified and examined relationships between various antecedents and outcomes of mentoring but mainly treating mentoring as a talent development tool. Less is known about the role of mentoring as a recruitment and selection tool in the pre-employment context. Mentoring is an important HRM tool that contributes to managing a global talent pool and developing existing employees.
Originality/value
The review contributes to a better understanding of the characteristics and processes involved in mentoring in a global context by proposing a framework that incorporates antecedents of mentoring, characteristics of the mentoring process, and mentoring outcomes. It highlights the value of mentoring as a recruitment and selection tool supporting global talent management and identifies avenues for future research.
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Haojun Li, Jun Xu, Yuying Luo and Chengliang Wang
This study investigated the influence of teachers on undergraduate students’ development of research aspirations and the mechanisms behind this process.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the influence of teachers on undergraduate students’ development of research aspirations and the mechanisms behind this process.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing social cognitive career theory, the study gathered data from 232 undergraduates, developed a structural equation model via the maximum likelihood method and executed empirical testing.
Findings
The findings reveal that neither direct nor emotional mentoring independently satisfies students’ needs for self-efficacy and aspiration in research nor significantly influences research interest. Specifically, the study demonstrates that (1) research self-efficacy, outcome expectations and research interest significantly shape research aspirations; (2) an overemphasis on direct mentoring might impede research aspiration development and (3) a focus on emotional mentoring, while overlooking direct mentoring, could result in diminished research self-efficacy.
Originality/value
This research pioneers a comprehensive analysis of the role of teachers in shaping undergraduate research aspirations through the lens of social cognitive career theory. It underscores the critical need to both balance mentoring approaches and foster intrinsic research motivation.
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Kelly R. Maguire, Amy M. Anderson and Tara E. Chavez
The purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on the importance of mentorship in academia, particularly in higher education. Specifically, this study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature on the importance of mentorship in academia, particularly in higher education. Specifically, this study aims to address the research gap related to academic mentorship from a gendered perspective. The Productive Mentoring Framework and relational–cultural theory theoretically support this study.
Design/methodology/approach
In this qualitative descriptive study, purposive sampling was used to recruit 19 participants for semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Two research questions guided this study: (1) How do individuals who identify as women describe the importance of mentorship in academia? (2) How do individuals who identify as women describe mentorship in academia from a gendered perspective? Using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, a total of six themes emerged, with three themes identified for each of the two research questions from the data: (a) guidance and support, (b) personal and professional development, (c) inclusive and accountable relationships, (d) empathetic and supportive mentorship, (e) interpersonal connectivity and (f) gender empowerment and advocacy.
Findings
The research findings suggest that the participants held perceptions of gender disparity within academia. Additionally, empowering interpersonal relationships with other women and supportive environments were crucial in overcoming challenges and developing personally and professionally in higher education institutions. Future research is recommended to explore the perspectives of women supporting women and the perception of gender disparity in academia.
Research limitations/implications
While successfully addressing the research questions, this study has limitations. One limitation was that this study had a relatively small sample size of participants who identified as women, which limited the focus of this research. Another limitation was that interview and focus group participants did not mention working with mentors who fall outside the traditional binary of male and female. Finally, limitations can occur in qualitative research as there is potential bias in the data analysis process. However, member-checking and codebook verification were utilized to minimize this constraint.
Practical implications
There are practical implications from the research for mentoring practices in academia. Since the results indicated benefits to women, institutions could prioritize mentoring programs, especially pairing same-gender mentors and mentees. This helps new employees navigate academia. Mentoring fosters interpersonal connectivity, improving academic culture. By supporting mentoring relationships and professional friendships, leaders positively impact dynamics within institutions. Gender disparities and systemic barriers call for advocacy within higher education. Mentor training programs should address these issues, providing a platform for solutions. Administrators' awareness may support efforts to improve equity.
Originality/value
The study is original in its focus on academic mentorship from a gendered perspective, as described by women in academia, notably higher education.
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Approaching mentoring from the theoretical tradition of continental pedagogy and contrasting it to the neoliberal organization of the academy, this paper aims to analyze how the…
Abstract
Purpose
Approaching mentoring from the theoretical tradition of continental pedagogy and contrasting it to the neoliberal organization of the academy, this paper aims to analyze how the Croatian higher education document framework constructs mentoring graduate and postgraduate students' research projects.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis of 50 national- and university-level documents, which were coded using an adapted strategy described by Saldaña (2014), was guided by the following research questions. 1. Which elements of the mentor’s activity in guiding the research projects of graduate and postgraduate students are addressed by the relevant Croatian higher education documents? 2. Which elements of the graduate and postgraduate students’ activity in conducting research projects are addressed? 3. Which structural dimensions of mentoring these research projects are addressed?
Findings
The results point to the construction of mentoring as a pedagogical relationship based on guidance, support and dialog and also signal the processes of quantification of education and responsibilization of individuals.
Practical implications
The results can be used in the critical revision of the documents as well as in supporting mentors in their professional roles.
Originality/value
This is the first analysis of the Croatian higher education document framework focused on mentoring students’ research projects.
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This paper aims to evaluate group mentoring as a large‐scale form of collaborative learning.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate group mentoring as a large‐scale form of collaborative learning.
Design/methodology/approach
Researchers used a 12‐question survey and personal interviews to assess the relevancy and success of group mentoring, and its impact on personal productivity/effectiveness and organizational success.
Findings
A total of 93 percent said topics discussed during their group mentoring events were relevant to them and their jobs, and 96 percent reported that they could apply information gained during group mentoring directly to their role in the organization.
Research limitations/implications
Further research with a larger survey population would be valuable, particularly as the use of group mentoring expands.
Practical implications
Group mentoring can replace costly classroom training, allowing more people to gain useful and practical knowledge in a setting that supports large‐scale productivity and effectiveness back on the job.
Originality/value
All content in this paper is new. Readers will discover the latest research and trends in group mentoring and collaborative learning.
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Bob Garvey and Geof Alred
The article is in three parts. The first, based on survey data, looks at the extent of and the provision for development for mentors and those interested in mentoring. The second…
Abstract
The article is in three parts. The first, based on survey data, looks at the extent of and the provision for development for mentors and those interested in mentoring. The second part is a discussion about ideas on learning and their relationship to mentoring. It draws on some issues raised by the survey material and highlights the need for a mentor development based on specific contexts and a learner‐centred approach. The third element of the article offers a development programme for mentors devised and used by the authors.
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