Work

Accelerating Organizational Change to Build Mentorship Culture in Zambian Universities

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Strong cultures of mentorship and research remain underdeveloped at many African universities, threatening future knowledge generation essential for health and development on the continent. To address these challenges, a mentorship program was developed in 2018 at the University of Zambia with an aim to enhance the institutional culture of mentorship and to build institutional capacity through an innovative 'train the trainer' faculty development model. In this study, we documented perceptions of lived experiences related to mentorship culture by following trainers and trainees and their mentees over two years. We analyzed these perceptions to assess changes in institutional attributes regarding mentorship. We identified positive change in institutional culture towards mentorship, and this change appeared sustainable over time. However, a slight decrease in indicators for year two emphasizes the need for a continued culture of learning rather than assuming that one-off training will be sufficient to change culture.

Source: Annals of Global Health

DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4032

Authors: Wilbroad Mutale, Selestine H. Nzala, Marie H. Martin, Elizabeth S. Rose, Douglas C. Heimburger, Fastone M. Goma

Institutions: University of Zambia, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Mentoring and Academic Development

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200