A study of the influences of nonsupervisory mentoring relationships on the personal development and career outcomes of mentors

Abstract

This research investigates the influences of nonsupervisory mentoring relationships on the personal development and career outcomes of mentors. By means of qualitative research it examines mentors‟ perception of mentoring relationships, as well as factors that influence the quality and mutuality of these relationships. A review of the literature suggests there is a limited number of a qualitative research that provides an insight into nonsupervisory relationships and mentors‟ perspective on the topic of mentorship. The study highlights the most prevailing themes on mentoring relationships discussed in the literature and their impact on both mentors and mentees. The inductive grounded theory strategy was applied in order to derive the theory out of raw data gathered through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with a number of mentors in nonsupervisory mentoring relationships, who are on senior positions within their own organisations. This study, through in-depth interviews with mentors, indicated how significant is an impact of nonsupervisory mentoring relationships on their career outcomes and skills development. The result of the study showed that nonsupervisory mentorship creates favourable environment for the development of high-quality relational relationships, which are characterised by the interdependence of mentors and mentees and their mutual growth. The study also indicates that nonsupervisory mentoring relationships validate mentors‟ life choices and help them overcome invisibility. Author keywords: Mentoring, relational relationships, personal learning, skills development, career outcomes, grounded theory,