Sydney Freeman Jr and Frances Kochan
The purpose of this paper is to examine a long-term mentoring relationship between a White female from the Traditional Generation and an African American male from the Xennial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine a long-term mentoring relationship between a White female from the Traditional Generation and an African American male from the Xennial Generation, as engaged in a mentoring relationship within higher education institutions in the USA. The study investigated if, how and to what degree the differences and similarities between them influenced their mentoring relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used an autoethnographic approach involving extensive questioning, dialoguing, note keeping and analysis over eight months.
Findings
The analysis suggested that race had the greatest influence on the relationship. The primary reasons for mentoring success were similarities in family backgrounds and commonly held values.
Research limitations/implications
This study may not be generalizable to mentoring relationships that do not involve cultural differences in race, age or gender.
Practical implications
The paper offers a model for the types of strategies individuals can use in cross-racial mentoring endeavors to help build and sustain these relationships. It also includes suggestions for individuals engaged in mentoring relationships, which include gender, race or age differences, and organizations seeking to enhance diversity within their institutions.
Originality/value
There is not an extensive body of research on individual cross-racial, gender and generational mentoring that provides an analysis of the experience of those involved. Additionally, the model presented for examining cross-racial mentoring relationships is unique.
Details
Keywords
Frances Kochan, Linda Searby, Manju P George and Jon Mitchell Edge
The purpose of this paper is to examine the usability of the Cultural Framework Analysis Process, a strategy designed to examine cultural factors in mentoring endeavors and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the usability of the Cultural Framework Analysis Process, a strategy designed to examine cultural factors in mentoring endeavors and to identify whether there are patterns of cultural elements that served to hinder or facilitate mentoring programs across a variety of organizations and contexts. The process also involves identifying methods for overcoming the barriers and enhancing the facilitating factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Graduate students in a class on mentoring were given an assignment to analyze a mentoring program using the Cultural Framework Analysis Process. They were also asked to share their most significant learning outcomes. Data were gathered by two student groups over a two-year period. Researchers determined the usability of the analysis process by evaluating the quality of the student submissions. They aggregated the data and conducted a content analysis on the facilitating and hindering factors to determine commonalities and the lessons learned.
Findings
The Cultural Framework Analysis Process appears to be a useful tool in examining and dealing with cultural elements in mentoring programs and relationships. The barriers and facilitating factors were closely related to one another. The five barriers to success were matching processes; mentee attitude toward matching; lack of organizational support; static or closed organizational culture; and organizational or community culture. The five factors that facilitated mentoring endeavors were: comprehensive and flexible matching; mentee/mentor attitudes; training; organizational culture and demonstrated commitment; and a focus on mentees.
Practical implications
The ability to examine the cultural elements in the context of mentoring is vital in assuring mentoring success. Having a description of how the process was conducted should be of value to those wanting to engage in similar analyses. The findings related to the factors identified should help guide those engaged in mentoring endeavors to become more aware of elements to consider and deal with as they create and operationalize their programs.
Originality/value
There is a need to enhance the knowledge about the cultural factors involved in mentoring programs and relationships. This research study expands the understanding and presents findings about barriers and supports to mentoring that have not been previously reported. It also provides a mechanism for others to conduct similar analyses as they develop, implement and research mentoring endeavors.
Details
Keywords
Andrea M. Kent, Frances Kochan and Andre M. Green
The purpose of this paper is to identify and summarize the primary themes and issues examined in relevant international research dealing with the relationship between culture and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and summarize the primary themes and issues examined in relevant international research dealing with the relationship between culture and mentoring. The focus is on formal mentoring programs for educators in primary and secondary schools and higher education settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature surveyed covered the direct and indirect impacts of culture on mentoring in primary, secondary and higher education settings. Manuscripts were organized around the topics of teacher education, teacher and leader development, and higher education. A thematic synthesis approach was used to summarize the findings.
Findings
Findings indicated that research on cultural aspects of mentoring in education has focused on three primary themes: cultural aspects of the mentoring relationship; the impact of organizational structures on mentoring programs and relationships; and the manner in which ethnicity and societal beliefs relate to the purposes and structures of mentoring.
Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of research that deals specifically with the manner in which culture influences mentoring programs and relationships.
Practical implications
It is vital for those involved in developing mentoring programs and relationships to be culturally aware of and sensitive to cultural dynamics in order to counteract and overcome possible barriers to success.
Originality value
Fresh insights are offered into the research that has been conducted within these educational settings. Areas and topics are identified where research is lacking and recommendations for future research that would enlighten the field are presented.
Details
Keywords
Report from a steel mill in France where two robots have been installedto write reference codes on large coils of steel. The working conditions forthis task were very unpleasant…
Abstract
Report from a steel mill in France where two robots have been installed to write reference codes on large coils of steel. The working conditions for this task were very unpleasant and human operators could only work for two or three hours at a time because of the intense heat that the coils radiate. Describes how the robot cell operates and how the procedure is monitored by a technician from a control room. As well as improvements in quality there have been safety benefits and the company is now installing a third robot at another mill.
Details
Keywords
There is only one word to describe French research activities in the field of robot and production technology and that is dynamic. During a two‐day conference held in Paris in…
Abstract
There is only one word to describe French research activities in the field of robot and production technology and that is dynamic. During a two‐day conference held in Paris in January, more than 50 research groups presented their work. Organised by the International Institute of robotics and artificial intelligence at Marseille, the conference aimed to present a round‐up of Government‐sponsored research and development being undertaken in France in the field of robotics and production technology. It is the first time such an event has been held and more than 240 participants attended.
Adding to the numerous jobs that robots already accomplish in the machine shop, Dassault Aviation is pioneering yet another; the assembly and disassembly of cutting tools. Anna…
Abstract
Adding to the numerous jobs that robots already accomplish in the machine shop, Dassault Aviation is pioneering yet another; the assembly and disassembly of cutting tools. Anna Kochan reports from France.
A novel laser‐cutting robot is being used to customise Renault cars at the company's Sandouville plant. Anna Kochan reports from France.
Andrew J. Hobson and Carol A. Mullen
This chapter offers an original conceptualization of co-mentoring – situated in the wider literature – together with evidence of its impact and factors facilitating impact across…
Abstract
This chapter offers an original conceptualization of co-mentoring – situated in the wider literature – together with evidence of its impact and factors facilitating impact across applications of co-mentoring in transnational schooling contexts. Co-mentoring is an alternative to more traditional, hierarchical, and unidirectional approaches to mentoring in education. Extending the extant literature on collaborative mentoring (or “comentoring”), co-mentoring is a collaborative, compassionate, and developmental relationship – informed by specific approaches to mentoring and coaching – that is intended to support participants' professional learning, development, effectiveness, and well-being, and potentially improve their workplace cultures. Detailing three different applications of co-mentoring across the United Kingdom and United States, the chapter evidences the realization of these intended outcomes (professional learning, etc.), and highlights factors found to be instrumental in facilitating the positive impacts of co-mentoring. We end with recommendations for undertaking research and practice that build human and organizational capacity through co-mentoring. A takeaway is that intentional approaches to co-mentoring can have value for participating parties and broader impact, as well as wide applicability.