Comparative study of informal mentoring in two higher education institutions (Kazakhstan and Türkiye)

Abstract

It is crucial to understand the experiences of academics in their early years to learn their perspectives, thoughts, and actions. In this comparative research, the authors aim to explore how informal mentoring works in Kazakhstani and Turkish higher education and wish to contribute to implementing a formal faculty mentoring program at the university as a means for young academics’ professional growth and career development. This comparative study sheds light on the similarities and differences in the practice of mentoring within two distinct contexts. It revealed commonalities in terms of the current state of mentoring and the challenges faced by mentees.

Keywords

• faculty mentoring
• informal mentoring
• higher education
• professional socialization
• organizational socialization