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An evaluation of reverse mentoring: A case study of research assistants and advisors

Samet Özdemir, Kadir Ardiç

Abstract

Reverse mentoring, which refers to the relationship between a young employee in the role of the mentor and a more senior and experienced employee in the role of the mentee, is gaining popularity in the business world. This study aims to discuss the relationship between research assistants, who are just starting at the academy and are thought to have traces of reverse mentoring, and advisors with more experience in the academy, in the context of the functions and sub-functions of reverse mentoring. In this exploratory study, in which a qualitative research method was adopted, data was obtained as a result of semi-structured interviews with 17 research assistants working in different faculties and departments at a state university in Turkey. The data obtained after the interviews with the research assistants was analysed using content analysis. The findings of the research suggested that the career, psycho-social, and role model functions of reverse mentoring in the relationship between research assistants and their advisors have sub-functions of knowledge sharing, challenging ideas, networking, friendship, and new perspectives. It was also concluded that other functions were at a limited level or non-existent.

Keywords: mentoring, reverse mentoring, research assistant, advisor, academy

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AUTHORS

Samet Özdemir

The author is a research assistant at Sakarya University, and a PhD candidate in Management and Organisation. His field of study is Human Resources Management, Organisational Behaviour and Industrial Relations.

Kadir Ardiç

The author is a professor at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. He is a professor of business administration and an industrial engineer. Having worked both in Turkey, especially at Sakarya University, as well as abroad, Ardiç's fields of study are Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Management and Strategy, and Total Quality Management. In addition to his professorship he has served as vice dean, general secretary, vice rector and as a consultant to various organisations.

About the article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15219/em96.1582

The article is in the printed version on pages 38-47.

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How to cite

Özdemir, S., & Ardýç, K. (2022). An evaluation of reverse mentoring: A case study of research assistants and advisors. e-mentor, 4(96), 38-47. https://doi.org/10.15219/em96.1582