The Challenges of Mentoring

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the dynamics of the mentor-mentee working relationship, at identifying challenges influencing the productivity of mentees, and at examining the influence of public sector resource inadequacies on the mentoring of junior doctors in the trauma emergency department of a South African state hospital. The study was qualitative in nature and grounded in an interpretivist paradigm. This was facilitated through the use of focus groups with mentees and one on one, semi-structured interviews with their mentors. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that there were several factors influencing the mentorship process such as difficulties in the mentor-mentee working relationship, issues influencing the productivity of mentees, and the effect of resource inadequacies in the South African public health sector. The mentor-mentee relationship requires understanding, trust, respect, empathy, and various other soft skills from both parties to be effective.