Cinematic Perspectives On Organizational Mentoring

Abstract

Properly conceived and conducted, organizational mentoring can bestow benefits on the suppliant, the mentor and the firm.  If prospective protégés assess the context of a mentoring relationship before they enter into one, they can enjoy a bonding experience that facilitates psychological satisfaction and furthers professional advancement.  The movie medium is an educative means of appreciating and attaining these positive outcomes.  The instructive lens of drama can complement traditional curricular materials in courses on behavioral dynamics.  Over the past seven years, the author has assigned a film project in his Leadership classes at the undergraduate and MBA level.  Of the 120 films chosen for students projects, five compellingly capture functional and dysfunctional aspects of protégé-protector linkages.  After analyzing these films, the paper proposes ten precepts that will enhance the mentoring experience for workplace aspirants.