The nature of mentorship in an industrial goods and services company

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of a mentorship programme and to develop a holistic mentorship model to assist organisations in the effective implementation of mentorship programmes. Problem investigated: Mentorship programmes are often implemented in an uncoordinated fashion, resulting in failure. Organisations do not experience the true benefit of mentorship, because not all the factors that have an impact on the success of such an intervention are considered beforehand. Methodology: Phenomenological, semi-structured interviews were conducted with mentors and protégés (N=10), to gain insight into their experience of mentorship programmes. Findings and implications: The results indicated that the mentorship programme and relationship are processes that function interdependently to ensure the success of such programmes. The results further showed that this process needs to be well planned, implemented and evaluated in an attempt to increase the return on investment. Value of the research: Mentorship programmes have the potential of improving organisations' effectiveness. It is therefore of value to approach mentorship in a holistic, well-planned and integrated manner. Conclusion: A holistic, systems view of mentorship would assist organisations in implementing successful mentorship interventions.