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Cultural influences in mentoring endeavors: applying the Cultural Framework Analysis Process

Frances Kochan (Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA)
Linda Searby (Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA)
Manju P George (PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India)
Jon Mitchell Edge (Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA)

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education

ISSN: 2046-6854

Article publication date: 8 June 2015

729

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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the students in the classes who participated in this study and collected the data used.

Citation

Kochan, F., Searby, L., George, M.P. and Edge, J.M. (2015), "Cultural influences in mentoring endeavors: applying the Cultural Framework Analysis Process", International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 86-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-03-2015-0010

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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