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The Blackwell Encyclopedic Dictionary of Organizational Behavior

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As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, it has become evident that cross-racial and crossgender<br />

relationships are more difficult to establish and maintain. For example, women and people <strong>of</strong><br />

color find that senior white men can sponsor them, but not necessarily empathize, coach, and/or serve as<br />

role models due to fundamental differences in SOCIALIZATION and current work experiences (see<br />

WOMEN AT WORK, WOMEN MANAGERS and SEX DIFFERENCES). In addition, individuals<br />

need considerable self-awareness and INTERPERSONAL SKILL in order to build relationships with<br />

people who are different, that transcend powerful, yet subtle and undermining stereotypes (see<br />

MANAGEMENT OF DIVERSITY; INTERCULTURAL PROCESS; STEREOTYPING). Until these<br />

complex dynamics are better understood and more effectively managed, women and people <strong>of</strong> color are<br />

not likely to establish adequate mentoring alliances, and organizations will fail to fully utilize the<br />

diversity <strong>of</strong> available talent.<br />

<strong>The</strong> critical role that mentoring plays in learning and MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT (see also<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT), is now readily acknowledged. However, scholars and<br />

practitioners regularly debate whether formalized mentoring (i.e., relationships that are arranged in the<br />

context <strong>of</strong> fast-track or management development programs) can be as effective as naturally occurring<br />

alliances (see MANAGEMENT OF HIGH POTENTIAL). In addition, other interventions – including<br />

education for potential mentors and protégés, changes in reward systems to encourage managers to<br />

mentor, and/or increased use <strong>of</strong> teams – can encourage mentoring by creating an environment more<br />

conducive to relationship building and development.<br />

In most contexts, mentor relationships are relatively rare. Instead, individuals are more likely to find<br />

opportunities to build a variety <strong>of</strong> developmental relationships – those that pro-<br />

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