Abstract:
PURPOSE – This study explored the motives, relationship dynamics and outcomes of male executives in
mentoring Black African women within the context of South Africa. The authors investigated the experiences
of White, Black African, coloured, and Indian male mentors conducting cross-gender and cross-race mentoring
in South Africa.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – Aqualitative study was conducted with 21 male executives within South
Africa’s male-dominated financial services industry. Data were collected via semi-structured, one-on-one
virtual video interviews. The study endeavoured to deeper understand the mentors’ experiences during their
interactions with the intersecting marginalised identities of Black African women as proteges.
FINDINGS – The authors found that the mentoring relationship is central to mentoring Black
African women. This relationship is often influenced by the mentors’ parental approach to mentoring,
with resultant negative consequences, including the prot eg e not taking accountability for driving the
relationship. Mentors’ stereotypical expectations of women as homemakers and carers also influenced
mentoring experiences. Mentors’ motives included growing next generation leaders, which led to
mentors’ job satisfaction.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This study contributes an account of male executives’ motivations for mentoring Black
African women, the relationship dynamics as well as negative mentoring experiences, and the mentoring
outcomes for proteges and mentors. Intersectionality theory was used to highlight the mentors’ lack of insight
into the intersecting marginalised identities of Black African women in the unique South African context,
where inequalities in terms of class, race, and gender are amplified.
