Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to generate theory about effective mentoring
among female Nairobi University students. A grounded theory design was used to
analyze the data. Six female Nairobi University students and four church-leaders who
were involved together in mentoring groups were interviewed for this study.
The study discovered that effective mentoring is the outcome of a growing
intimacy between mentor and mentorees within a relationship of affirmation, support,
guidance and spiritual teaching. A three stage phenomenon was established in the
process of building intimacy. The first stage was initiation or point of entry into the
mentoring relationship. The spiritual interest and connection with others drew in the
mentorees. The second stage was continuation where commitment and friendship
within the mentoring group deepened the relationship. The third stage was maturation
where the relationship settled and a sense of belonging was achieved. Each of these
stages were marked by increased involvement and self-disclosure. The relationship
between the three stages was explored.
The interrelationships of the causal conditions, the context, the intervening
conditions and the strategies in the evolving theory regarding effective mentoring
among the female Nairobi University student were enumerated. The positive outcomes
were highlighted. A visual model of the entire effective mentoring process was
advanced. Finally suggestions were made to facilitate the establishment of effective
mentoring.
