Gender and Homophily in Mentoring Relationships of MBA Graduates

Open Access

Author:: Ferris, Erin Lynn
Area of Honors:: Labor and Employment Relations
Degree:: Bachelor of Science
Document Type:: Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:: Sarah A Damaske, Thesis Supervisor
Paul Vincent Whitehead, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:: Gender
Mentoring
Homophily
Abstract:: This paper examines the influence of gender in mentoring relationships of MBA graduates and how homophilic preferences for mentoring result in gender differences in career advancement. Using a sample of qualitative interviews of 74 MBA graduates of an elite business school, I argue that homophily preferences shape the gender composition of mentoring dyads which, in turn, maintain gender stratification in career advancement. Results suggest homophily preferences are more likely to shape men’s mentoring relationships. Mentored individuals showed more accelerated careers than non-mentored individuals. Ultimately findings suggest homophily preferences encourage, maintain, and reinforce gender inequality in career advancement.