Date of Award

Spring 4-14-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Len Hightower, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Dr. Maria Ayon, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

Dr. Sheila L. Steinberg, Ph.D.

Abstract

Purpose: The U.S. Hispanic population is on the rise and will continue to be an important thread in the fabric of American society as a whole. However, in the midst of this burgeoning group lies its male subpopulation which faces its own unique challenges. One outlet that has demonstrated success for minorities is mentoring. Mentoring can provide Hispanic males with numerous benefits in a social exchange paradigm. Unfortunately the majority of mentoring research has focused solely on the perspective of the protégé, thus leaving mentor perceptions, particularly those of Hispanic males, unexplored. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study sought to describe how participation in formal mentoring programs for youth impacted the dynamics of social exchange for Hispanic male mentors in the Coachella Valley.

Methodology: This phenomenological qualitative study collected data via in-depth interviews of 14 Hispanic male mentors residing in the Coachella Valley region of Southern California. An interview script provided semistructured questions influenced by the framework of social exchange. Respondents were digitally recorded, and transcripts were reviewed. Triangulation included transcripts and artifacts.

Findings: Five major themes emerged from the data to include (a) mentoring expectations and experiences, (b) perceived mentoring benefits, (c) the value of mentoring, (d) barriers to mentoring, and (e) the impact of Hispanic culture in mentoring relationships, all of which described how participation in formal mentoring programs impacted the social exchange dynamics for Hispanic male mentors in the Coachella Valley.

Conclusions: The data and findings from this study concluded that: (a) Hispanic males set high expectations for themselves as mentors, (b) mentoring provides a positive outlet for the social development of Hispanic males, (c) mentoring can provide personal and professional development benefits for Hispanic male mentors, (d) previous mentoring experience of any kind promotes the value of mentoring and increased participation of Hispanic males, and lastly, (e) the sharing of Hispanic culture can strengthen mentoring relationships for Hispanic males.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended to include expanding the study to all mentoring programs in the state of California as well as informal mentorships; replication of the study using a quantitative method; analyzing the impact of “healing circles” on the mental health outlook of Hispanic male mentors; and investigating the effects of mentoring on their career development as well as their definition of “success as a male.”

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