Bridging Academic Horizons: Deciphering the Empowering Potential and Intrinsic Obstacles in Today's Mentorship Ecosystems
Abstract
This paper delves into the transformative potential and ongoing challenges of modern mentor-mentee programs within academic institutions, emphasizing their pivotal role in advancing student success and career development. Through an in-depth examination of recent trends and innovative practices, the study explores how these programs support knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and emotional well-being, contributing to a nurturing academic environment. It also addresses challenges faced by both mentors and mentees, including misaligned expectations, communication gaps, and limited resources, which may impede program success. By synthesizing insights from multiple studies and case examples, this paper highlights the need for thoughtfully designed mentor-mentee programs that adapt to the changing educational landscape, fostering the comprehensive growth of students and enhancing mentors' professional fulfillment. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers and educators focused on refining mentoring practices in higher education.
References
Ali, F. D. A., & Idris, R. (2024). The Lecturers' Views towards “Mentorship360Hub”. International Journal of Advanced Research in Future Ready Learning and Education, 34(1), 93-103.
Ali, F. D. A., Idris, R., Shanmugam, J., Zaimi, H.F.M, Nazri, N.S., & Nizam, U.A.(2024). The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Challenges In The Academic Sphere, 4th International Virtual Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Technology 2024 (IVEST2024), 685-694. e-ISBN: 978-967-2476-65-8.
Ali, F. D. A. & Shanmugam, J. (2023). Students' Perception Towards The Implementation of Macro Scaffolding in Facilitating Public Speaking Presentation, Proceedings The 1st International Conference on Business Administration and Communication Arts, 1 (1), 235-244. ISBN: 978-616-8297-29-2.
Allen, T. D., Eby, L. T., & Chao, G. T. (2023). Mentorship and belonging: Creating connections through shared experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 108(2), 250-267.
Allen, T. D., & Eby, L. T. (2023). The Blackwell handbook of mentoring: A multiple perspectives approach. Wiley-Blackwell.
Berinšterová, M. (2021). Mentoring of university students: functions and important characteristics. Človek a Spoločnosť, 23, 1-17.
Bredella, M.A., Fessell, D.P., & Thrall, J. (2019). Mentorship in academic radiology: why it matters. Insights into Imaging, 10.
Brown, J., & Thompson, L. (2023). The impact of mentorship on student motivation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 115(2), 210-225.
Chan, C.D., Hammer, T.R., Richardson, L., & Hughes, C. (2022). Through the relational looking glass: Applications of relational–cultural theory to career development and mental health. Journal of Employment Counseling.
Das, S.U. (2020). Faculty development/mentoring evolution of mentorship in academic medicine. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 68, 721 - 723.
Davis, A. (2022). The role of mentorship in academic success. Educational Leadership Quarterly, 42(1), 15-30.
Dearlove, J., Farrell, H.M., Handa, N., & Pastore, C. (2007). The evolution of peer mentoring at the University of Western Sydney.
Dipre, K.A., & Luke, M.M. (2020). Relational Cultural Theory–Informed Advising in Counselor Education. The Professional Counselor, 10, 517-531.
Eby, L. T., Allen, T. D., Evans, S. C., & DuBois, D. L. (2023). Does mentoring foster a sense of community? Insights from a multidisciplinary meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72(2), 254-267.
Ekong, E.N. (2017). Impact of Mentoring on Nursing and Midwifery Educators and Students: An Integrative. International Journal of Nursing, 3, 73-86.
Fountain, J.H., & Newcomer, K.E. (2016). Developing and Sustaining Effective Faculty Mentoring Programs. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 22, 483 - 506.
Garcia, R., & Patel, N. (2024). Professional skill development through mentorship. Career Development Journal, 20(3), 150-165.
George, R.S., Roy, A., & Lakshmi, T. (2020). Mentor Mentee Strategy in Academic Success -A Review. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology.
Giacumo, L.A., Chen, J., & Seguinot‐Cruz, A. (2020). Evidence on the Use of Mentoring Programs and Practices to Support Workplace Learning: A Systematic Multiple‐Studies Review. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 33, 259-303.
Gunn, F., Lee, S.H., & Steed, M. (2017). Student Perceptions of Benefits and Challenges of Peer Mentoring Programs: Divergent Perspectives From Mentors and Mentees. Marketing Education Review, 27, 15 - 26.
Hamilton, L.K., Boman, J., Rubin, H., & Sahota, B.K. (2019). Examining the impact of a university mentorship program on student outcomes. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education.
Haqqee, Z., Goff, L., Knorr, K., & Gill, M.B. (2020). The Impact of Program Structure and Goal Setting on Mentors’ Perceptions of Peer Mentorship in Academia. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 50, 24-38.
Hill, S.M., Ward, W.L., Seay, A., & Buzenski, J. (2022). The Nature and Evolution of the Mentoring Relationship in Academic Health Centers. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 29, 557 - 569.
Houston, M. (2020). Faculty Mentoring Programs at Academic Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review and Suggestions for Future Mentoring Programs. International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research.
Idubor, E.E., & Adekunle, S.A. (2021). Challenges of Mentoring Among University Academics in Nigeria. OUSL Journal.
Johnson, M., & Lee, S. (2024). Building networks: The mentorship advantage. International Journal of Mentorship in Education and Work, 10(1), 5-19.
Kalpazidou Schmidt, E., & Faber, S.T. (2016). Benefits of Peer Mentoring to Mentors, Female Mentees and Higher Education Institutions. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24, 137 - 157.
Kim, Y. (2023). Career guidance in modern mentorship programs. Human Resource Management Review, 33(2), 50-67.
Kram, K. E., & Ragins, B. R. (2022). Mentoring at work: Developing a sense of community in professional settings. In B. R. Ragins & K. E. Kram (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 659-692). Sage Publications.
Lértora, I.M., & Croffie, A.L. (2020). Using Relational-Cultural Theory to Conceptualize International Student Transitions. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 15, 30 - 42.
Lewis, C. & Olshansky, E. (2016). Relational-cultural Theory as a Framework for Mentoring in Academia: Toward Diversity and Growth-fostering Collaborative Scholarly Relationships, Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24:5, 383-398, DOI: 10.1080/13611267.2016.1275390
Marshall, M., Dobbs-Oates, J., Kunberger, T., & Greene, J. (2021). The peer mentor experience: benefits and challenges in undergraduate programs. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 29(1), 89–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2021.1899587
Matthew Reeves. (2024). Mentoring Programs: Purpose, Benefits + How to Get Your Mentoring Program Started. https://www.togetherplatform.com/blog/what-is-the-purpose-of-mentoring.
Olivier, C., & Burton, C. (2020). A large-group peer mentoring programme in an under-resourced higher education environment. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 9, 341-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmce-07-2019-0074.
Ragins, B. R., & Kram, K. E. (2022). Building communities through mentoring relationships. In B. R. Ragins & K. E. Kram (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 3-15). Sage Publications.
Rujimora, J., Butler, S., Yanson, J., Frank, A., Eng, T., Summers, H., & Joe, R. (2024). From Cohort to Cohesion: Application of Relational-Cultural Theory to Doctoral Cohort Development. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.
Sanyal, C. (2017). The effective mentor, mentee and mentoring relationship.
Schriever, V., & Grainger, P. (2019). Mentoring an early career researcher: Insider perspectives from the mentee and mentor. Reflective Practice, 20, 720 - 731.
Smith, R., Jones, T., & Lee, A. (2023). Skill development in academic mentorship programs. Educational Research and Reviews, 18(4), 123-138.
Suhaimi, P. F. M., Abdullah, A., Zubairi, A. A., Ali, F. D. A., & Idris, R. (2024). Unveiling the Nexus: Organizational Climate and Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Teachers in Kuala Selangor. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(3), 2350–2363.
Talbert, P.Y., Perry, G., Ricks-Santi, L.L., Soto de Laurido, L.E., Shaheen, M., Seto, T., Kumar, D., Quarshie, A., Thakar, M.S., & Rubio, D.M. (2021). Challenges and Strategies of Successful Mentoring: The Perspective of LEADS Scholars and Mentors from Minority Serving Institutions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18.
Torrejón-Ramos, M., Alonso-Muñoz, S., Medina-Salgado, M.S., & González Sánchez, R. (2023). Trends in Mentoring at Higher Education: A bibliometric analysis. Proceedings INNODOCT/22. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education.
Tu, M. & Li, M. (2021). What Great Mentorship Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2021/05/what-great-mentorship-looks-like-in-a-hybrid-workplace.
Üstünlüoğlu, E. (2024). Can Peer-Mentoring be a Model for Retention in Higher Education? Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi.
Wheeler, S.E., McDanel, D., Kiser, K., Majerczyk, D., Nguyen, J.H., Crannage, E.F., Smith, T., & Lipari, M. (2024). Essential elements for a nationwide remote pharmacy trainee mentoring program: An opinion of the Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 7, 395 - 401.
Williams, S. (2023). Designing effective mentorship programs: Strategies and outcomes. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 45(1), 60-75.
Zainol, J. & Salam, A. (2021). An Audit on Mentor-Mentee Program: Mentees Perceptions on Mentors. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 20. 840-847. 10.3329/bjms.v20i4.54143.
Ali, F. D. A., Idris, R., Shanmugam, J., Zaimi, H.F.M, Nazri, N.S., & Nizam, U.A.(2024). The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Challenges In The Academic Sphere, 4th International Virtual Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Technology 2024 (IVEST2024), 685-694. e-ISBN: 978-967-2476-65-8.
Ali, F. D. A. & Shanmugam, J. (2023). Students' Perception Towards The Implementation of Macro Scaffolding in Facilitating Public Speaking Presentation, Proceedings The 1st International Conference on Business Administration and Communication Arts, 1 (1), 235-244. ISBN: 978-616-8297-29-2.
Allen, T. D., Eby, L. T., & Chao, G. T. (2023). Mentorship and belonging: Creating connections through shared experiences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 108(2), 250-267.
Allen, T. D., & Eby, L. T. (2023). The Blackwell handbook of mentoring: A multiple perspectives approach. Wiley-Blackwell.
Berinšterová, M. (2021). Mentoring of university students: functions and important characteristics. Človek a Spoločnosť, 23, 1-17.
Bredella, M.A., Fessell, D.P., & Thrall, J. (2019). Mentorship in academic radiology: why it matters. Insights into Imaging, 10.
Brown, J., & Thompson, L. (2023). The impact of mentorship on student motivation. Journal of Educational Psychology, 115(2), 210-225.
Chan, C.D., Hammer, T.R., Richardson, L., & Hughes, C. (2022). Through the relational looking glass: Applications of relational–cultural theory to career development and mental health. Journal of Employment Counseling.
Das, S.U. (2020). Faculty development/mentoring evolution of mentorship in academic medicine. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 68, 721 - 723.
Davis, A. (2022). The role of mentorship in academic success. Educational Leadership Quarterly, 42(1), 15-30.
Dearlove, J., Farrell, H.M., Handa, N., & Pastore, C. (2007). The evolution of peer mentoring at the University of Western Sydney.
Dipre, K.A., & Luke, M.M. (2020). Relational Cultural Theory–Informed Advising in Counselor Education. The Professional Counselor, 10, 517-531.
Eby, L. T., Allen, T. D., Evans, S. C., & DuBois, D. L. (2023). Does mentoring foster a sense of community? Insights from a multidisciplinary meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72(2), 254-267.
Ekong, E.N. (2017). Impact of Mentoring on Nursing and Midwifery Educators and Students: An Integrative. International Journal of Nursing, 3, 73-86.
Fountain, J.H., & Newcomer, K.E. (2016). Developing and Sustaining Effective Faculty Mentoring Programs. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 22, 483 - 506.
Garcia, R., & Patel, N. (2024). Professional skill development through mentorship. Career Development Journal, 20(3), 150-165.
George, R.S., Roy, A., & Lakshmi, T. (2020). Mentor Mentee Strategy in Academic Success -A Review. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology.
Giacumo, L.A., Chen, J., & Seguinot‐Cruz, A. (2020). Evidence on the Use of Mentoring Programs and Practices to Support Workplace Learning: A Systematic Multiple‐Studies Review. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 33, 259-303.
Gunn, F., Lee, S.H., & Steed, M. (2017). Student Perceptions of Benefits and Challenges of Peer Mentoring Programs: Divergent Perspectives From Mentors and Mentees. Marketing Education Review, 27, 15 - 26.
Hamilton, L.K., Boman, J., Rubin, H., & Sahota, B.K. (2019). Examining the impact of a university mentorship program on student outcomes. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education.
Haqqee, Z., Goff, L., Knorr, K., & Gill, M.B. (2020). The Impact of Program Structure and Goal Setting on Mentors’ Perceptions of Peer Mentorship in Academia. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 50, 24-38.
Hill, S.M., Ward, W.L., Seay, A., & Buzenski, J. (2022). The Nature and Evolution of the Mentoring Relationship in Academic Health Centers. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 29, 557 - 569.
Houston, M. (2020). Faculty Mentoring Programs at Academic Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review and Suggestions for Future Mentoring Programs. International Journal of Engineering Technologies and Management Research.
Idubor, E.E., & Adekunle, S.A. (2021). Challenges of Mentoring Among University Academics in Nigeria. OUSL Journal.
Johnson, M., & Lee, S. (2024). Building networks: The mentorship advantage. International Journal of Mentorship in Education and Work, 10(1), 5-19.
Kalpazidou Schmidt, E., & Faber, S.T. (2016). Benefits of Peer Mentoring to Mentors, Female Mentees and Higher Education Institutions. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24, 137 - 157.
Kim, Y. (2023). Career guidance in modern mentorship programs. Human Resource Management Review, 33(2), 50-67.
Kram, K. E., & Ragins, B. R. (2022). Mentoring at work: Developing a sense of community in professional settings. In B. R. Ragins & K. E. Kram (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 659-692). Sage Publications.
Lértora, I.M., & Croffie, A.L. (2020). Using Relational-Cultural Theory to Conceptualize International Student Transitions. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 15, 30 - 42.
Lewis, C. & Olshansky, E. (2016). Relational-cultural Theory as a Framework for Mentoring in Academia: Toward Diversity and Growth-fostering Collaborative Scholarly Relationships, Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24:5, 383-398, DOI: 10.1080/13611267.2016.1275390
Marshall, M., Dobbs-Oates, J., Kunberger, T., & Greene, J. (2021). The peer mentor experience: benefits and challenges in undergraduate programs. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 29(1), 89–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2021.1899587
Matthew Reeves. (2024). Mentoring Programs: Purpose, Benefits + How to Get Your Mentoring Program Started. https://www.togetherplatform.com/blog/what-is-the-purpose-of-mentoring.
Olivier, C., & Burton, C. (2020). A large-group peer mentoring programme in an under-resourced higher education environment. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 9, 341-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmce-07-2019-0074.
Ragins, B. R., & Kram, K. E. (2022). Building communities through mentoring relationships. In B. R. Ragins & K. E. Kram (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 3-15). Sage Publications.
Rujimora, J., Butler, S., Yanson, J., Frank, A., Eng, T., Summers, H., & Joe, R. (2024). From Cohort to Cohesion: Application of Relational-Cultural Theory to Doctoral Cohort Development. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.
Sanyal, C. (2017). The effective mentor, mentee and mentoring relationship.
Schriever, V., & Grainger, P. (2019). Mentoring an early career researcher: Insider perspectives from the mentee and mentor. Reflective Practice, 20, 720 - 731.
Smith, R., Jones, T., & Lee, A. (2023). Skill development in academic mentorship programs. Educational Research and Reviews, 18(4), 123-138.
Suhaimi, P. F. M., Abdullah, A., Zubairi, A. A., Ali, F. D. A., & Idris, R. (2024). Unveiling the Nexus: Organizational Climate and Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Teachers in Kuala Selangor. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(3), 2350–2363.
Talbert, P.Y., Perry, G., Ricks-Santi, L.L., Soto de Laurido, L.E., Shaheen, M., Seto, T., Kumar, D., Quarshie, A., Thakar, M.S., & Rubio, D.M. (2021). Challenges and Strategies of Successful Mentoring: The Perspective of LEADS Scholars and Mentors from Minority Serving Institutions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18.
Torrejón-Ramos, M., Alonso-Muñoz, S., Medina-Salgado, M.S., & González Sánchez, R. (2023). Trends in Mentoring at Higher Education: A bibliometric analysis. Proceedings INNODOCT/22. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education.
Tu, M. & Li, M. (2021). What Great Mentorship Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2021/05/what-great-mentorship-looks-like-in-a-hybrid-workplace.
Üstünlüoğlu, E. (2024). Can Peer-Mentoring be a Model for Retention in Higher Education? Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi.
Wheeler, S.E., McDanel, D., Kiser, K., Majerczyk, D., Nguyen, J.H., Crannage, E.F., Smith, T., & Lipari, M. (2024). Essential elements for a nationwide remote pharmacy trainee mentoring program: An opinion of the Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 7, 395 - 401.
Williams, S. (2023). Designing effective mentorship programs: Strategies and outcomes. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 45(1), 60-75.
Zainol, J. & Salam, A. (2021). An Audit on Mentor-Mentee Program: Mentees Perceptions on Mentors. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 20. 840-847. 10.3329/bjms.v20i4.54143.
Published
2024-12-01
How to Cite
AWANG ALI, Fariha Diyana et al.
Bridging Academic Horizons: Deciphering the Empowering Potential and Intrinsic Obstacles in Today's Mentorship Ecosystems.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society, [S.l.], v. 6, n. 4, p. 74-84, dec. 2024.
ISSN 2682-8138.
Available at: <https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijares/article/view/28428>. Date accessed: 14 july 2025.
Section
English Section
