Affiliation:
1. London South Bank University
2. Edinburgh Napier University
3. University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction:
The need for social justice is ingrained in occupational therapy. Black and Minoritised Ethnicity (BME) occupational therapists face lower career progression opportunities and mentoring is one possible intervention that may offer support. BME persons may have different expectations and experiences from their mentor, and research exploring their perceptions of mentoring is important. The aim of this research is to learn about BME occupational therapists' experiences and perceptions of mentoring for career progression.
Methods:
Four online focus groups involving 19 participants were held, discussions were facilitated by researchers using a topic guide. Participants responses were analysed, and codes were brought together to create Themes including career progression and role models, mentoring relationship, similarity with the mentor and outcomes from mentoring.
Results:
The study highlighted that trust is integral to effective mentoring relationships and BME OTs want mentors who they can trust with their experiences and stories. Compatibility between mentors and mentees in terms of personality, values, and working styles is crucial for effective mentoring relationships. Providing opportunities for networking, acknowledging good work and giving permission were all seen as outcomes from good mentoring. The absence of BME role models and ingroup bias were also reported as issues to be addressed.
Conclusion:
This study explores the perception of mentorship as a mechanism for career advancement in Occupational Therapists from BME backgrounds, with these results transferable to other health and care professional groups. We recommend the creation of a mentoring charter for BME healthcare workers to ensure that those from BME backgrounds feel supported, mentored, and provided with equitable access to resources, including adequate mentoring and networking opportunities.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference38 articles.
1. 1. Hocking C. Occupational justice as social justice: The moral claim for inclusion. http://dx.doi.org/101080/1442759120171294016. 2017;24:29–42. doi:10.1080/14427591.2017.1294016.
2. 2. Hawkes S, Gamlin J, Buse K. Social justice: what’s in it for gender equality and health? BMJ. 2022;376. doi:10.1136/BMJ.O431.
3. 3. NHS England and NHS Improvement. NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard. 2022. https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/equality/equality-hub/workforce-equality-data-standards/equality-standard/. Accessed 20 Dec 2022.
4. 4. Rotondo DM, Perrewé PL. Coping with a career plateau: An empirical examination of what works and what doesn’t. J Appl Soc Psychol. 2000;30:2622–46.
5. 5. Eby LT de T, Allen TD, Hoffman BJ, Baranik LE, Sauer JB, Baldwin S, et al. An interdisciplinary meta-analysis of the potential antecedents, correlates, and consequences of protégé perceptions of mentoring. Psychol Bull. 2013;139:441–76. doi:10.1037/A0029279.