Informal peer mentoring in early career researchers

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore an informal interdisciplinary peer-mentoring relationship between two early career researchers.Design/methodology/approach– A case study approach, using autoethnography, was employed to explore the relationship from a complex adaptive systems (CAS) perspective.Findings– Informal peer-mentoring relationships may improve the work effectiveness and quality of the doctoral student and early career researcher experience. CAS can be an effective overarching theory for expanding understandings about mentoring.Research limitations/implications– This case study is limited to two early career researchers.Practical implications– Informal peer mentoring may help to overcome challenges encountered by doctoral students, early career researchers and university staff members. CAS accounts of mentoring have the potential to open new possibilities for future mentoring research.Originality/value– This paper provides unique insights into the experiences of doctoral students postgraduation and a long-term informal peer-mentoring relationship. Explorations of mentoring relationships from a CAS perspective are innovative.