Navigating Virtual Mentorship: An Examination of Teleworking's Impact on Sailors' Perceptions of Meentorship Relationships, Processes and Outcomes

Abstract

This thesis explores the practice of teleworking within the Navy, focusing on sailors’ experiences of teleworking and perceptions of its influence on mentorship relationships, processes, and outcomes. It employs qualitative, thematic analysis of interviews with Navy personnel, to investigate sailors’ perceptions of the dynamics between teleworking, mentorship, work-life balance, and identified training gaps, focusing on the shift to telework prompted by the COVID 19 pandemic. The analysis reveals critical themes that illuminate the challenges and opportunities presented by teleworking, particularly in relation to maintaining effective mentorship relationships virtually. The thesis concludes with recommendations for refining virtual mentorship and identifies opportunities for future research. This thesis contributes to the ongoing discussion on leveraging teleworking to enhance mentorship and professional growth in the Navy, underscoring the importance of evolving workplace strategies in a post-pandemic world.