scholarly journals Influence of national culture on mentoring relationship: a qualitative study of Japanese physician-scientists

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruo Obara ◽  
Takuya Saiki ◽  
Rintaro Imafuku ◽  
Kazuhiko Fujisaki ◽  
Yasuyuki Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Mentoring Relationship ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Organizational Continuity ◽  
Physician Scientists

Abstract Background Nurturing of physician-scientists is an important mission of academic medical institutes. Although the importance of mentorship in developing future physician-scientists internationally is well established, not much information is available about how they are mentored and how national cultures influence the mentoring relationship. This study explores the cultural characteristics of mentoring relationships between senior mentors and junior mentees of Japanese physician-scientists. Method A qualitative approach has been employed to explore mentoring relationships of Japanese physician-scientists from cultural viewpoints, through semi-structured interviews with 17 mentees who had the experience of working overseas as post-doctoral research fellow. The reflection of their experiences and the perception of mentoring relationships before going abroad were thematically analyzed by applying Hofstede’s model of six cultural dimensions as a theoretical framework. Results Twelve characteristic themes for mentoring were observed, including trustworthy dependency on mentor, embracing paternalistic mentoring, mentee’s initiative within expectations of mentor based on power distance, a sense of loyalty to mentor/organization/colleagues, family-like relationship with mentor based on collectivism, sense of security on being led by mentor through uncertainty avoidance, motivation by role modeling for the competitive academic world, and adaption of female mentee/mentor to a male-dominated academic structure based on masculinity, a long-term relationship between mentor and mentee, receiving advice for organizational continuity based on long-term orientation, putting work before leisure, and friendly relationship between mentor and mentee outside of work based on indulgence. Conclusions This study identified the characteristic mentoring relationships of postgraduate mentees of Japanese physician-scientists. Considering the importance of mentoring for physician-scientists in a globalized society, understanding the characteristics of national cultures would help in ensuring culture-sensitive mentoring and would contribute to the development of academic medicine.

Exploring mentoring across gender, race, and generation in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sydney Freeman Jr ◽  
Frances Kochan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
White Female ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mentoring Relationship ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Extensive Body ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine a long-term mentoring relationship between a White female from the Traditional Generation and an African American male from the Xennial Generation, as engaged in a mentoring relationship within higher education institutions in the USA. The study investigated if, how and to what degree the differences and similarities between them influenced their mentoring relationship. Design/methodology/approach The authors used an autoethnographic approach involving extensive questioning, dialoguing, note keeping and analysis over eight months. Findings The analysis suggested that race had the greatest influence on the relationship. The primary reasons for mentoring success were similarities in family backgrounds and commonly held values. Research limitations/implications This study may not be generalizable to mentoring relationships that do not involve cultural differences in race, age or gender. Practical implications The paper offers a model for the types of strategies individuals can use in cross-racial mentoring endeavors to help build and sustain these relationships. It also includes suggestions for individuals engaged in mentoring relationships, which include gender, race or age differences, and organizations seeking to enhance diversity within their institutions. Originality/value There is not an extensive body of research on individual cross-racial, gender and generational mentoring that provides an analysis of the experience of those involved. Additionally, the model presented for examining cross-racial mentoring relationships is unique.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATIONAL CULTURE DIMENSIONS AND DEGREE OF INNOVATION

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (01) ◽  
pp. 1730001 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDRE LUIS PRIM ◽  
LUIZ STEPHANY FILHO ◽  
GUILHERME AUGUSTO CAVALLARO ZAMUR ◽  
LUIZ CARLOS DI SERIO
Keyword(s):  
National Culture ◽  
National Level ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Global Innovation ◽  
Culture Dimensions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Degree Of Innovation

The objective of this research is to analyse the relationship between cultural dimensions and the degree of innovation at the national level. For such, secondary data were collected relating to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and the Global Innovation Index (GII). They were analysed using multiple linear technical regressions based on a sample of 72 countries. The results reveal the existence of three cultural dimensions associated with innovation outputs (technology and creativity): individualism, long-term orientation and indulgence, while a partially supported relationship was encountered for the power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity dimensions. National cultures were also classified as being competitive, planning, hierarchical or benevolent, to distinguish the most innovation-driven cultures. This evidence contributes to the innovation and competitiveness perspective, in which the intrinsic values of a national culture can favour the development of innovation and raise the competitiveness level of both nations and organisations.

The Centrality of Cultural Considerations in Facilitating Training for Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 104515952110373
Author(s):  
Corinne Brion
Keyword(s):  
National Culture ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
African Countries ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Cultural Considerations ◽  
Culture Influence

Teaching and learning are social and cultural activities. Across cultures, people have different ways of communicating, interacting, and learning. Consequently, learning may not occur without understanding the role national cultures play on organizing and facilitating training events. This study is part of a larger study that took place over a period of 6 years, from 2013 to 2019, in West Africa. Using Hofstede et al.’s Six Cultural Dimensions model as a conceptual framework, the researcher sought to examine the extent to which factors of national culture influence the facilitation of professional learning among school principals in two West African countries. Findings indicated that facilitators adapted to national culture in the dimensions of Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, and Long-Term Orientation. This study is significant because teaching does not always equate to learning, and understanding the role of cultural factors can improve learning transfer. If facilitators and practitioners understood how national cultures influence teaching, they would adapt and adjust their practices to the national cultures they serve to improve learning outcomes. Based on the study findings, the researcher offers recommendations for those practitioners who work with adults in international contexts and/or who attend to learners from various cultural backgrounds.

scholarly journals Culture and profitability: empirical evidence at a European level

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 580-588
Author(s):  
Maria Manuela Martins ◽  
Ilídio Tomás Lopes
Keyword(s):  
National Culture ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Return On Assets ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Return On Equity ◽  
Lower Uncertainty

Organizational cultures distinguish different organizations within the same country or countries. When comparing the organizations within the same country differences in national cultures are not relevant but become relevant in comparison between different countries. This paper intends to evidence whether the profitability of companies can be influenced by the national culture. In order to characterize the culture of each country, we used the Hofstede measure of cultural dimensions (1. Power Distance (PDI); 2. Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI); 3. Individualism (IDV); 4. Masculinity (MAS); 5. Long-Term Orientation (LTO); and 6. Indulgence vs Restraint (IND)). Sample was based on the 500 largest European companies rated by the Financial Times 2015. Profitability was measured by the ratios Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Statistical tests were performed to test whether the means of the variables used to measure profitability are statistically equal. The results indicate that companies with higher profitability are from countries with lower Power Distance, lower Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term Orientation, and Higher Indulgence

The Role of Culture in Developing Disruptive Innovation in Domestic Firms

2013 ◽  
pp. 258-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birton J. Cowden ◽  
Morris Kalliny
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Bottom Of The Pyramid ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Domestic Firms ◽  
The World ◽  
Disruptive Innovations

National culture influences how people perceive the world, and subsequently, what actions they take. Research has shown that this also follows in the actions taken by firms that reside in those national cultures. The actions identified in this paper look at domestic firms’ pursuit of disruptive innovation. Disruptive innovations are unique types of innovation that require different thinking from the firm. We discuss the two ways a firm can pursue disruption and how culture might affect that pursuit. Specifically, Hofstede’s (1980) five cultural dimensions of uncertainty avoidance, power distance, long-term orientation, individualism, and masculinity will provide a guiding light on the values needed for a firm to develop disruptive innovations. Additionally, it will be further argued of the coexistence of disruptive business models and the opportunities of the bottom of the pyramid markets.

scholarly journals Environmental Awareness in Different European Cultures

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna Bacsi
Keyword(s):  
National Culture ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Environmental Awareness ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
The European Union ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
National Values ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
The Eu

Abstract The 28 countries of the European Union represent a rather heterogeneous group regarding their geography, history, and national cultures. Their response to the current global challenges depends on their way of viewing the world, and that is largely influenced by their national values and beliefs. The research compares the environmental awareness in distinct country groups and identifies the components of national culture, which, by their different approaches to the environmental sustainability, influence the most. The time span of the analysis is seven years from 2012 to 2018. National culture is defined by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and the environmental awareness data were collected from the Eurobarometer surveys of the EU. The main findings show that the environmental awareness in the EU increases with time and is higher in indulgent, more individualistic, and more long-term oriented countries, while the level of masculinity and uncertainty avoidance or power distance did not matter. The Scandinavian countries are remarkably environmentally aware, while the other groups of countries do not differ in this respect.

scholarly journals Feeling Better: Experiences and Needs of Adolescents and Professionals Regarding Their Mentoring Relationship in Residential Youth Care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemiek T. Harder ◽  
Annika Eenshuistra ◽  
Erik J. Knorth
Keyword(s):  
Youth Care ◽  
Group Care ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Residential Youth Care ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Mentoring Relationship ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background In residential youth care, group care workers and teachers often serve as a mentor for individual adolescents. Although favorable mentoring relationships are associated with positive adolescent outcomes, few studies examined the role of mentoring in residential youth care. Objective The present study aims to assess adolescents’, care workers’ and teachers’ mentoring relationship needs in terms of their one-on-one conversations during residential care. Methods We conducted structured interviews with eleven adolescents, ten group care workers and two teachers and content analysis to assess the data Results All respondents are rather satisfied with their conversations, which are often concerned with how the adolescent is doing. Adolescents mostly consider their family and home-situation as difficult topics, while care workers mostly consider sexuality as a difficult topic to talk about. Although ‘improvement’ with the youth is often the aim, most adolescents report that they do not (know if they) show changes because of these conversations. Moreover, only one of the twelve professionals thinks that it is his core task to achieve behavior change with the adolescents. According to the professionals, conversations often aim at building a good relationship, coaching, determining treatment goals, and gaining insight into the adolescent. Adolescents prefer a mentor who is calm, has respect, listens, and is reluctant in giving advice. Most professionals do not use a specific method and doubt whether they want to have conversations according to a manual or support tool. Conclusions Despite being rather satisfied, adolescents and professionals indicate several points for improvement of one-on-one conversations.

Mentoring—A Relationship Based on Trust: Qualitative Research

2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferda Erdem ◽  
Janset Özen Aytemur
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Professional Relationships ◽  
Mentoring Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Academic Organizations ◽  
University Culture ◽  
Mentoring Relationship ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Different Dimensions

The study reported in this article aimed to explore the trust protégés felt for their mentors and the effects different dimensions of relationships that can influence this trust in mentoring relationships within academic organizations. The questions defined for this research regarded which dimensions of professional relationships actually do influence protégés' trust, which of those underlying dimensions make trust stronger, and the results the trust protégés felt for their mentor produced in terms of the function of mentoring. The interview form used to answer these questions consisted of two parts. The first part included general questions on the characteristics of mentors and protégés and the functions of mentoring. The second part included 24 questions designed specifically to identify the underlying elements of trust in mentoring relationships. The dimensions specifically were competence, consistency, communication, interest taken in the protégé, fairness, and sharing of control. Thirty-two protégés agreed to take part in the structured interviews, and the total time spent on interviews was 35 hours. The study revealed that among the elements necessary for the building of trust in one's professional mentor, sharing of control and fair behavior were dimension of the mentoring relationship that protégés had positive perceptions and experiences of. Another important finding in terms of positive and negative perceptions was that protégés identify their positive perceptions more with the personal efforts of their mentor. Negative perceptions were seen to be related to factors such as faculty and university culture, legal matters and regulations, law and regulations creating rigid university procedures, and mentors' and protégés' personal characteristics.

Integration of Digital Preservation Knowledge, Skills and Competencies in the Teaching Curricula of Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thatayaone Segaetsho ◽  
Julie Moloi
Keyword(s):  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Of Botswana ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Teaching Content ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
The University

In the past few decades, digital technology has found a place in the acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, and dissemination of information. However, heritage institutions are perturbed by the challenges of digital preservation strategies particularly for education. Despite continuous investment in digital preservation, there are limited skilled professionals to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to drive digital preservation in Botswana. Therefore, this paper investigated the knowledge, skills and competencies related to digital preservation in the teaching curricula of the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) at the University of Botswana. Data collection was done through intensive structured interviews with specific educators who teach courses on digital preservation in the archives and records management stream. The study revealed that despite the fact that the educators in preservation courses are aware of current trends in digital preservation, most of them have not obtained formal degree certification specific to digital preservation. The findings further revealed that minimal digital preservation competencies are observed in the teaching curricula. A significant number of challenges observed illustrated mainly a lack of resources and limited skills in terms of practical demonstrations by educators. The curricula mostly lacked clarity on long-term and short-term digital preservation. The study recommends that DLIS and other institutions should conduct surveys or curriculum auditing on digital preservation in order to improve the teaching content. A significant number of shortcomings regarding digital preservation that could motivate further studies are also discussed under the conclusion and recommendations section of this study.

scholarly journals “I’ve Heard of It, Yes, but I Can’t Remember What Exactly It Was”—A Qualitative Study on Awareness, Knowledge, and Use of the UV Index

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1615
Author(s):  
Katharina Diehl ◽  
Tatiana Görig ◽  
Charlotte Jansen ◽  
Maike Carola Hruby ◽  
Annette B. Pfahlberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Correct Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians play an important role in counselling customers regarding sunscreen use and sun protection measures. A potentially helpful tool that can be used during counselling is the ultraviolet index (UVI), which informs individuals when and what sun protection measures are needed at a specific place and time. Our aim in this qualitative study was to explore awareness, knowledge, and use of the UVI during counselling in pharmacies. We used semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians (n = 20) to answer our research questions. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. During the interviews pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians revealed a lot of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the UVI. Eight professionals were able to give a correct definition of UVI. Amongst others, the UVI was confused with sun protection factor. Overall, the UVI was hardly used during the counselling of customers. The UVI was developed to provide guidance when which type of sun protection is required to avoid detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation. For effective implementation, both the general population and health professionals (e.g., pharmacists) have to increase their knowledge about the UVI. This would strengthen its use during professional counselling in pharmacies and may help to reduce the incidence of skin cancer over the long term.

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