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Understanding mentoring relationships in China: Towards a Confucian model

Author

Listed:
  • Abby Jingzi Zhou

    (Nottingham University Business School China)

  • Émilie Lapointe

    (Nottingham University Business School China)

  • Steven Shijin Zhou

    (Nottingham University Business School China)

Abstract

Most mentoring research conducted in Asia is based on theories developed in the Western world and quantitatively tests mentoring-related hypotheses rather than attempting to gain an in-depth understanding of mentoring in the Asian context. In this paper, we contribute to filling this gap in the literature by examining mentoring relationships in China. In-depth interviews were conducted among mentors and mentees to explore their experience of the mentoring relationship. The findings highlight commonalities with mainstream mentoring research as well as several distinctive features. The findings are integrated in a contextualized model of mentoring that echoes the pervasive influence of Confucianism in China. Other theoretical implications and future research directions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Abby Jingzi Zhou & Émilie Lapointe & Steven Shijin Zhou, 2019. "Understanding mentoring relationships in China: Towards a Confucian model," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 36(2), pages 415-444, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:36:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10490-018-9589-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10490-018-9589-5
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