Factors Affecting Participation in Mentoring Research in Academia

Abstract

Higher Education is focused on research, yet not many postdoctoral researchers participate in academic research regarding their experiences during mentoring.  This lack of participation is creating a gap in research on mentoring.  The study found sharing experiences with an interviewer not only works as cathartic instrument for postdoctoral researcher but also provides them with new perspective on their mentoring experience.  Meanwhile, participating in research about their experiences in mentoring adds valuable information for mentoring programs, mentors and mentees.  Despite postdoctoral researchers’ scientific background lack of interest in participating in academic research is of serious concern. The study was conducted using Grounded Theory as a tool.  The data was collected in 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews with professors and postdoctoral researchers participating in mentoring programs across Germany.  The paper aims to propose initiating a dialogue for participating in academic research in higher education especially at postdoctoral researchers' level to increase awareness.