Reframing Mentorship Theory Through Self-Efficacy: A Theoretical Pathway for Advancing Women in Leadership

Mentorship has emerged as a critical developmental mechanism within organizational contexts, particularly in fostering leadership capabilities. However, theoretical gaps persist in understanding the gendered nuances of mentorship and its influence on self-efficacy and career outcomes. This essay revisits and expands upon Mentor Role Theory (Kram, 1985) and Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (1977) to propose a theoretical framework suited for future practitioner research. The framework integrates concepts of Psychosocial support, career functionality and gendered dynamics in mentorship, thereby addressing the underrepresentation of women in leadership.