An application of the mentoring framework to investigate the effectiveness of mentoring programs between industry mentors and student mentees in hospitality. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scerri, Madalyn; Presbury, Rajka; Goh, Edmund
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospitality and tourism management. Volume 45(2020)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Mentoring programs -- Mentoring framework -- Hospitality graduates -- Career development; Hospitality industry -- Management -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Management -- Periodicals; Hospitality industry -- Australia -- Management -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Australia -- Management -- Periodicals; Hospitality industry -- Management; Tourism -- Management; Australia; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 338.4791068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1447-6770

Abstract

Abstract: This research examines the perceptions of alumni mentors working in the hospitality industry, along with hospitality students as mentees, through a four-stage mentoring program framework: initiation; goals and action plans; cultivating the relationship; and evaluating the relationship. Industry alumni mentors and student mentees from a leading hotel management school at an Australian university were selected to provide a rich illustration of the mentoring program. Data were collected through interviews of 48 mentees and 14 industry mentors (response rate of 45%). The findings illustrate that mentoring relationships enable mentees to build knowledge and skills, develop networking opportunities and build confidence. The application of the four-stage mentoring program framework provides several theoretical and applied contributions. Namely, a formal matching process enhances the initiation of a mentoring program, preparation and goal setting sets the stage for positive relationships, emotional and professional support cultivates commitment to mentoring relationships, and a mentoring program allows for valuable self-reflection.