Background of the Study
Mentoring programs have emerged as a vital tool for fostering employee career growth and development. These programs typically involve more experienced employees guiding less experienced ones, offering advice, feedback, and career guidance. Mentoring is believed to help employees navigate their professional paths, develop new skills, and achieve their career goals, which in turn contributes to increased job satisfaction and retention (Suleiman & Ibrahim, 2024).
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria, operates in several states, including Kwara State, where it has a strong presence. UBA has recognized the importance of mentoring programs in nurturing future leaders and improving the professional skills of its employees. Mentoring at UBA involves pairing experienced bankers with junior staff members to foster career growth, improve technical competencies, and promote organizational commitment.
Despite the popularity of mentoring programs, there is limited empirical research on their specific impact on career growth within UBA Plc, particularly in Kwara State. While many organizations promote mentoring as a key strategy for employee development, there is a need for further evaluation of how such programs directly influence career progression, employee retention, and overall job satisfaction.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of mentoring programs on employee career growth within UBA Plc in Kwara State, focusing on whether these programs facilitate skills development, improve job performance, and enhance career advancement opportunities.
Statement of the Problem
Although UBA Plc offers mentoring programs to its employees, the specific impact of these programs on employees' career growth remains unclear, particularly within the context of Kwara State. There is a lack of empirical evidence regarding how mentoring influences employees' career trajectories, professional development, and job satisfaction. This study will explore the role of mentoring in shaping employee careers, identifying any challenges and benefits associated with such programs.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the impact of mentoring programs on the career growth of employees at UBA Plc in Kwara State.
To identify the key components of the mentoring programs at UBA Plc and their influence on employee performance and professional development.
To recommend strategies for enhancing mentoring programs at UBA Plc to support employee career growth.
Research Questions
How do mentoring programs at UBA Plc in Kwara State impact employee career growth and professional development?
What are the key benefits and challenges of mentoring programs at UBA Plc in Kwara State?
How can UBA Plc improve its mentoring programs to better support employee career advancement?
Research Hypotheses
Mentoring programs at UBA Plc positively influence employee career growth and development in Kwara State.
Employees who participate in mentoring programs experience higher levels of job satisfaction and career progression at UBA Plc in Kwara State.
Effective mentoring programs lead to improved job performance and higher employee retention rates at UBA Plc in Kwara State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on employees of UBA Plc in Kwara State and evaluate the impact of mentoring programs on their career growth. The limitations of the study include the potential for biased responses from employees who may feel compelled to express positive feedback about the mentoring programs. Furthermore, the study may not be generalizable to all UBA branches across Nigeria.
Definitions of Terms
Mentoring: A developmental relationship in which a more experienced employee provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced employee.
Career Growth: The professional development and progression of an employee’s career, typically involving skill development, promotions, and increased responsibilities.
Employee Performance: The level of effectiveness and efficiency with which an employee carries out their work tasks and responsibilities.