THE ROLE OF MENTORING IN THE CAREER PROGRESSION OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Abstract

This article describes the results of a study into the operation of mentoring in two of the Big Five accountancy firms in Ireland. The study showed that the experience of mentoring is extensive: two thirds of the professional staff in both firms having experienced at least one mentoring relationship. The mentoring schemes were informal and mentoring relationships were perceived as critical to promotion. The mentoring functions reported the Irish study were similar to those reported in US accountancy firms, although the relative importance was different. The intensity of the mentoring experience varied with the grade of the protégé. It was found that male mentors offered a stronger role modelling function to male protégés than female mentors did, although female mentors did not offer stronger Role Modelling function to female protégés than male mentors did. Although those who experienced strong social support and career development elements in their mentoring were more likely to have low turnover intentions; there was no gender difference in this issue. Differences between the relative importance of mentoring functions and the impact of grade and gender in the USA and Ireland were explored in the context of the differing cultures and it was suggested that these differences may be explained by the cultural differences between the two countries.