D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2017.
Specialization:  Business administration

The mentoring of African American male public administrators
114 pages. UMI #: 10743821
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

The public administration profession is facing a serious challenge regarding problems many African American men encounter when attempting to develop and advance their careers in the field. Based on Kram and Isabella’s development theory, this investigation assessed mid- and upper-management African American male public administrators’ perceptions of the value of mentoring activities as a meaningful approach to overcoming career advancement challenges. . Ten male members of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators were interviewed for this qualitative study. Research questions were developed using a qualitative phenomenological design and focused on African American’s career advancement opportunities, challenges to career development, and the perceived value of using mentoring as a tool to augment career advancement opportunities. The results of this study revealed that although African American male public administrators often face unique career advancement challenges, these challenges are not always insurmountable, especially with the assistance of a career mentor.

• Helen Bojarczyk, Ph.D., Chair
• Bernice Folz, Ph.D.
• John Vinton, Ph.D.