Citation

Morgan LM, Davidson MJ. Br. J. Manag. 2008; 19(s1): S120-S129.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-8551.2008.00577.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper considers the nature of the interpersonal dynamic in mentoring relationships and the correlation between a close mentoring relationship and the possibility of that relationship becoming romantic or sexual. In considering this issue we have reviewed the literature that is pertinent to this context; this includes research on the workplace as a sexualized environment, the criteria considered to be desirable for an effective mentoring relationship and issues of gender and sexual orientation in the workplace. In highlighting these issues we suggest that organizations, mentees and mentors should be made aware of the potential risks before embarking on a mentoring relationship, and suggest this is an area that clearly needs more research.