Mentorship Theory: Development And Explication

Abstract

Various relationship problems pose a threat to the sustainability of mentorship, among which are attitude, a lack of clearly defined goals and roles, a lack of mentorship theory, and specific frameworks to guide the practices of mentor and mentee in the relationship. This paper discusses elements from several theories, models, and approaches relevant to mentorship in a profession. It provides a Mentorship Theory (MT) that clarifies the what, why, and how of both the mentor and mentee for productive, authentic, and sustainable mentorship experiences in any profession. The MT has four elements, namely: the lens; mentor roles and activities; mentee roles and activities; and components of the mentorship relationship. The MT explicates six aspects, which include: the fundamental attitude of mentor and mentee; the mentoring strategies; the learning strategies of the mentee; the discipline process; the instructional setting; and the mentoring and learning strategies and activities. The MT goes a long way in describing and explaining the what, why, and how of all the activities of both the mentor and mentee in a mentorship process.

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