Page 15 - KMS1034 HRD Practices Sem 2 23/24

RETHINKING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTORING AND HRD

Exploring Patterson’s article, “Mentoring Programs: Characteristics within HRD
and Higher Education Contexts,” in the journal Advances in Developing Human Resources

was an eye-opening experience for us, who are passionate about higher education and
HRD. We have always held the belief that mentoring in education and HRD in the

workplace operated in separate spheres. However, Patterson’s insights challenged this
notion, leading us to question whether the perceived gap between them was as

signi�icant as we once thought. Engaging with Patterson’s work felt like embarking on

a journey of discovery, prompting us to reevaluate our assumptions and
preconceptions about mentoring and HRD.

As we delved deeper into Patterson’s article, we found ourselves captivated by his
meticulous examination of mentoring programs in both HRD and higher education

settings. Patterson skilfully navigated through the complexities of today’s workforce
challenges, shedding light on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the in�lux of

younger generations into the workforce. Through his analysis, Patterson convincingly

illustrated the vital role of mentorship in fostering personal development and
organizational adaptability in the face of these challenges.

Moreover, Patterson’s article not only highlighted the close connection between
mentoring and HRD but also provided actionable guidance for mentors navigating the

intricacies of the modern workforce. His insights offered
valuable perspectives on how mentoring programs can

serve as bridges between educational institutions

and the workforce, facilitating collaboration and
knowledge exchange across different domains.

Additionally, Patterson’s discussion of the

challenges confronting HRD professionals struck

a chord with us, resonating deeply with our own
experiences and observations. Issues such as

employee mental health, alternative work arrangements,
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and diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations are

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