Understanding mentorship and the development of a structure to implement and manage a mentorship program to support extensionists towards professionalism

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Date

Authors

Terblanche, S.E. (Stephanus Esaias), 1940-

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

South African Society for Agricultural Extension, Department of Agricultural Ecomomics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria

Abstract

Throughout the world individuals, organisations, institutions and businesses reconsider the implementation of a mentorship program to be supportive and to promote the professionalism of the employees. There are numerous definitions for mentorship or mentoring but all of them emphasise three elements namely : A reference to individual people, the mentor and protégé interacting with one another; The involvement of some kind of supportive action; and Promoting professional and personal development of the protégé. The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) included the appointment of mentors to support Candidate Natural Scientists as a pre-requisite for professional registration. This affects every agricultural extension worker in South Africa. Mentors and protégé's demonstrate specific qualities and characteristics, which are the building blocks, of a successful mentoring relationship. There are obstacles that could influence the mentoring relationship negatively. However the mentor, protégé and the organisation benefits significantly from a successful mentorship program and specifically with regard to professionalism. The structuring, implementation and management of a mentorship program is essential for organisations and individuals who wish to survive.

Description

Keywords

Mentorship, Professionalism, Relationship, Mentor, Protege

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Terblanche, SE 2007, 'Understanding mentorship and the development of a structure to implement and manage a mentorship program to support extensionists towards professionalism', South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, vol. 36, pp. 94-108. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_agri.html]