Factors influencing the willingness to mentor 1st-year faculty in physical education departments

Source: Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, Volume 15, Issue 1 February 2007, pages 73 - 85

This study of mentoring 1st-year faculty in physical education departments focused on individual reasons for mentoring and organizational factors inhibiting or facilitating mentoring. A phenomenological research design was used to examine the mentoring relationship between 1st-year faculty and physical education department Chairs (N = 5), and a constant comparative analysis of personal portraits provided themes and categories. Results illustrate the need for department Chairs to initiate the mentoring relationship with 1st-year faculty, provide department orientation programs, schedule regular meetings, and encourage interdisciplinary efforts within and outside the department.