Literature Review on enterprise mentoring

This review focuses on mentoring for businesses and entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa region

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2012
Document Type:
Literature Review
Theme:
Economic Growth
Authors:
Pompa, C.

Abstract

The focus of this literature review is on mentoring for businesses and/or entrepreneurs. The document provides a list of enterprise mentoring programmes being implemented in the MENA region with details about the organisation, country of implementation, and a brief description of the programme itself along with donors/sponsors.

The review provides evidence that mentoring programmes have real benefits, providing a relevant and appropriate source of support for entrepreneurs.Some of the crucial factors that need to be taken into account when designing mentoring programmes include:

  • Balancing a formal approach (in terms of goals and expected outcomes) with an informal one that can provide enough flexibility and openness to the needs of the entrepreneur.
  • Matching mentors and mentees is a considered an important factor for the success of the mentoring relationship, considering experience, personal aspects, learning styles and socio-economic factors can have a considerable impact on the outcome of the relationship. While taking into consideration these aspects can help reduce potential mismatches, mentoring programmes need to be aware that this is still a possibility and provide exit strategies for both the mentor and mentee.
  • Training of the mentor and clarification of expectations and rules can help frame the relationship and reduce the level of frustration from both parties.

Citation

Pompa, C. Literature Review on enterprise mentoring. EPS-PEAKS, UK (2012) 20 pp.

Published 1 January 2012
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