Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women

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dc.contributor.advisorDharani, Babar
dc.contributor.authorKanyuchi, Amantle
dc.date.accessioned2025-11-25T08:55:07Z
dc.date.available2025-11-25T08:55:07Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.date.updated2025-11-25T08:52:46Z
dc.description.abstractThis research investigates the differing mentorship expectations among African-Black women across three generational cohorts: the Struggle Generation (ages 42–61), the Transition Generation (ages 29–41), and the Born Free Generation (ages 22–28). Recognizing mentorship as a vital coping strategy in workplace environments, the study employs qualitative research to explore how factors like historical context, technology, and intersectionality shape these expectations. The study employs a qualitative methodology to explore mentorship relationship expectations among different generational cohorts of African black women in South Africa. Through in- depth interviews with participants from the Struggle, Transition, and Born Free Generations, the research uncovers nuanced experiences and expectations surrounding mentorship. A semi-structured format facilitated open dialogue, allowing participants to share their beliefs and motivations. Data collection adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality, while thematic and narrative analysis identified key patterns and themes. This approach captures diverse perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of mentorship dynamics within this demographic. Findings reveal that while the cohorts share a common understanding of mentorship, they differ in preferred formats, key factors for effective relationships, and desired qualities in mentors and mentees. The Struggle Generation balances professional and familial roles, the Born Free Generation seeks digital and informal avenues, and the Transition Generation emphasises proactive engagement. Ultimately, this dissertation highlights that for mentorship to deliver on its promise of fostering both professional growth and personal empowerment, it needs to be dynamic and evolve with the changing needs of generations. The insights underscore the need for tailored mentorship programs that address the diverse needs of African-Black women.
dc.identifier.apacitationKanyuchi, A. (2025). <i>Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women</i>. (). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Commerce ,Graduate School of Business (GSB). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationKanyuchi, Amantle. <i>"Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women."</i> ., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Commerce ,Graduate School of Business (GSB), 2025. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationKanyuchi, A. 2025. Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women. . University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Commerce ,Graduate School of Business (GSB). http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Kanyuchi, Amantle AB - This research investigates the differing mentorship expectations among African-Black women across three generational cohorts: the Struggle Generation (ages 42–61), the Transition Generation (ages 29–41), and the Born Free Generation (ages 22–28). Recognizing mentorship as a vital coping strategy in workplace environments, the study employs qualitative research to explore how factors like historical context, technology, and intersectionality shape these expectations. The study employs a qualitative methodology to explore mentorship relationship expectations among different generational cohorts of African black women in South Africa. Through in- depth interviews with participants from the Struggle, Transition, and Born Free Generations, the research uncovers nuanced experiences and expectations surrounding mentorship. A semi-structured format facilitated open dialogue, allowing participants to share their beliefs and motivations. Data collection adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality, while thematic and narrative analysis identified key patterns and themes. This approach captures diverse perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of mentorship dynamics within this demographic. Findings reveal that while the cohorts share a common understanding of mentorship, they differ in preferred formats, key factors for effective relationships, and desired qualities in mentors and mentees. The Struggle Generation balances professional and familial roles, the Born Free Generation seeks digital and informal avenues, and the Transition Generation emphasises proactive engagement. Ultimately, this dissertation highlights that for mentorship to deliver on its promise of fostering both professional growth and personal empowerment, it needs to be dynamic and evolve with the changing needs of generations. The insights underscore the need for tailored mentorship programs that address the diverse needs of African-Black women. DA - 2025 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Mentorship KW - intergenerational relationships KW - women in leadership KW - career development KW - cross-generational mentoring LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2025 T1 - Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women TI - Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationKanyuchi A. Mentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women. []. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Commerce ,Graduate School of Business (GSB), 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42329en_ZA
dc.language.isoen
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentGraduate School of Business (GSB)
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Commerce
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Cape Town
dc.subjectMentorship
dc.subjectintergenerational relationships
dc.subjectwomen in leadership
dc.subjectcareer development
dc.subjectcross-generational mentoring
dc.titleMentorship expectations differences across generations: A study of South African black women
dc.typeThesis / Dissertation
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMPhil
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