Abstract

Justus Ngala Agumba* and Ferdinand Cedric Fester

This study examined mentoring relationships within organizations, important characteristics of mentors, important mentoring functions, effectively achieved mentoring functions, potential negative outcomes or problems in mentoring relationships as reported by new knowledge workers and the implications of cultural divide in relation to gender and race. A descriptive survey was used to conduct this research, using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and the Number Cruncher Statistical System version 6.0. Reliability for internal consistency for the objectives, were determined using Cronbach’s alpha test. A list wise deletion analysis was conducted to verify the valid cases to be analyzed. Results indicated that male mentors still dominate in the South African construction industry. Important characteristics that mentors should possess were identified, including important and adequately achieved mentoring functions which were ranked using their mean values. Potential negative outcomes or problems did not often occur, while race disparity was not a hindrance in the formal mentoring relationship. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on mentoring as mentoring relationships of new knowledge workers’ perspective has not been thoroughly researched in the construction industry in South Africa. The need for future research is also discussed.