FRAMEWORK FOR TRAINING AND INITIATING RELATIONSHIPS IN MENTORING PROGRAMMES IN NIGERIAN FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Abstract

This paper presents a research-informed framework for training and initiating mentoring relationships in formal mentoring programmes designed for raising skilled and committed workforce in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry. A survey was conducted to determine the principles that were applicable to mentor training, mentee training and mentoring relationship initiation in mentoring programmes in FMCG manufacturing industry. The findings were used to develop the framework for training and initiating mentoring relationships. Subjects were 55 senior-level staff of five manufacturing companies in Lagos State that had designed and implemented formal mentoring programmes. The subjects responded to a 54-item questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of Mean and Standard Deviation. The study revealed that training objectives for mentors and mentees should be developed based on goals of the mentoring programme, lessons learned from previous programmes and specific needs of prospective mentors and mentees. It was found that contents for training mentors and mentees should include, among others, topics on the programme’s structure, rules, requirements and procedures; ethical issues in mentoring; and communication. Findings also indicate that a meeting of mentor and mentee in which they sign an agreement consenting to programme rules can be organised for each pair to initiate their relationships. All the findings were used to develop a draft framework for training and initiating mentoring relationships in formal mentoring programmes in FMCG manufacturing industry. The draft framework was validated by 3 experts in human resource development, management and business education. Their feedback was used to refine the framework.