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Myriad potential for mentoring: Understanding the process of transformational change through a gender equality intervention

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  • Joke Leenders
  • Inge L. Bleijenbergh
  • Marieke C.L. Van den Brink

Abstract

This article contributes to understanding transformational change towards gender equality by examining the transformational change potential of a mentoring programme for women, a type of gender equality intervention both criticized and praised for its ability to bring about change. Drawing upon an empirical case study of a mentoring programme for women academics in a Dutch university, we explore three dimensions of transformational change: organizational members (i) discussing and reflecting upon gendered organizational norms and work practices; (ii) creating new narratives; and (iii) experimenting with new work practices. Our findings indicate five specific conditions that enable transformational change: cross‐mentoring, questioning what is taken for granted, repeating participation and individual stories, facilitating peer support networks and addressing and equipping all participants as change agents. We suggest that these conditions should be taken into account when (re)designing effective organizational gender equality interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Joke Leenders & Inge L. Bleijenbergh & Marieke C.L. Van den Brink, 2020. "Myriad potential for mentoring: Understanding the process of transformational change through a gender equality intervention," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 379-394, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:27:y:2020:i:3:p:379-394
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12385
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    Cited by:

    1. Wendy O’Brien & Clare Hanlon & Vasso Apostolopoulos, 2023. "Women as leaders in male‐dominated sectors: A bifocal analysis of gendered organizational practices," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 1867-1884, November.

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