Toward a useful theory of mentoring: A conceptual analysis and critique

Barry Bozeman; Mary K. Feeney

doi:10.1177/0095399707304119

Toward a useful theory of mentoring: A conceptual analysis and critique

Barry Bozeman, Mary K. Feeney

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

273 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this review and critique of mentoring theory and research, the authors identify persistent problems in the development of mentoring theory. Their conceptual analysis highlights these problems with a "thought experiment" illustrating the inability of mentoring theory and research to resolve certain fundamental issues, the resolution of which is a prerequisite for the advancement of explanatory theory. They conclude with ideas about demarcating "mentoring" from the sometimes confounding concepts "training" or "socialization." Absent an ability to distinguish mentoring from related activities, progress in explanatory theory will remain impeded.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	719-739
Number of pages	21
Journal	Administration and Society
Volume	39
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/0095399707304119
State	Published - Oct 2007
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Formal mentoring
Group mentoring
Mentor
Mentoring theory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Sociology and Political Science
Public Administration
Marketing

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10.1177/0095399707304119

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AB - In this review and critique of mentoring theory and research, the authors identify persistent problems in the development of mentoring theory. Their conceptual analysis highlights these problems with a "thought experiment" illustrating the inability of mentoring theory and research to resolve certain fundamental issues, the resolution of which is a prerequisite for the advancement of explanatory theory. They conclude with ideas about demarcating "mentoring" from the sometimes confounding concepts "training" or "socialization." Absent an ability to distinguish mentoring from related activities, progress in explanatory theory will remain impeded.

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Toward a useful theory of mentoring: A conceptual analysis and critique

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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