A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Experiences of Minorities in Cross-Ethnic Mentoring Relationships

• Main Author: Coleman, Victor J., Jr.
• Language: EN
• Published: Capella University 2019
• Subjects: Business administration|Management|Ethnic studies
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=13806770

<p> The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of African Americans as mentees in cross-ethnic mentoring relationships with two research questions: Through the lived experience of the mentee, what characteristics should a mentor possess in cross-ethnic mentoring relationships, and from the lived experience of the mentee, what behaviors can the mentor and mentee exhibit to ensure positive outcomes? For the purpose of this study, a cross-ethnic mentoring relationship is described as a mentoring relationship between a Caucasian American mentor and African American mentee. Leadership theories&mdash;transactional leadership theory, transformational leadership theory, servant leadership theory as well as transformative learning theory&mdash;were used to guide the data collection and data analysis process for this study. Each participant reflected on an aspect of leadership and its application to their mentor. Five themes were revealed from the data collection, expanding the existing literature on mentoring: authenticity, openness, trust, communication, and race neutrality. Participants shared the memories of their mentoring relationships, highlighting the importance of mentoring in providing extended networks and resources, the acceptance and support from their mentors as well as, creating a space for race neutrality.</p><p>