The mentoring relationship, its development and contribution in Maltese small firms

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The changing Maltese environment has traditionally protected Maltese firms. However, recent changes such as Malta's accession to the European Union call for an increase in business knowledge for firms to be able to adapt to new challenges arising. One way to achieve this is through the mentoring concept which has been introduced in Malta with the development of the Maltese Mentoring Society. PURPOSE: This study helps establish the extent to which local owner-managers can acquire knowledge which is applied in the conduct of their business from the experience of mentors, through the analysis of the mentoring relationship, its development and contribution in Maltese small firms. DESIGN: This study achieves this through semi-structured interviews with ten mentors forming part of the Maltese Mentoring Society, seven sole traders and seven company managers in small companies who have experienced this relationship. FINDINGS: The findings of this study indicate a good understanding of the general aspects of mentoring and the presence of the fundamental characteristics needed for the success of such a relationship. The feedback received from owner-managers in small companies indicates that mentoring has given a positive contribution to their business. On the other hand, sole traders are generally sceptic about this relationship, although acknowledging its positive aspects. The volunteering nature of such a relationship does not seem to demand immediate rearrangement. However, the Maltese Mentoring Society needs more funding if it is to meet the challenges of the future and to extend this service and relationship to a much wider spectrum of firms. VALUE: This study makes a number of recommendations mostly aimed at widening the spread of mentoring in Malta. One main recommendation is for the Maltese Mentoring Society to become a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, thus accessing a larger community. A related recommendation is introducing mentoring in education at all post-secondary levels.