Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Journal of higher education curriculum studies

Executive Program Features of Peer Mentoring for University Faculty: A Comprehensive Analysis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 PhD in Curriculum Planning, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
2 استاد مطالعات برنامه درسی ، دانشگاه تربیت دبیر شهید رجایی، تهران، ایران
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.
10.22034/hecs.2025.356385.1785
Abstract
The present research aims to identify the features of an executive peer mentoring program for faculty members at Farhangian University. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach with thematic analysis methodology. The research domain included all Farhangian University faculty members and university administrators, who were selected through criterion-based purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 university faculty members and 10 directors and executive administrators of Farhangian University. For data analysis, thematic analysis was employed at three levels: basic, organizing, and global themes. To ensure validity and reliability, Lincoln and Guba's (1980) criteria were utilized. The research results indicate that the Phillips Human Resource Management model represents the optimal framework for presenting the executive peer mentoring program for Farhangian University faculty. This model examines ten organizational context and structural areas, ultimately presenting an executive program tailored to Farhangian University's institutional context. These areas include strategic human resource processes, organizational capability development, staffing, existing organizational development processes, talent management, rewards and recognition, health and safety, internal and external communications, and data and systems management. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that an appropriate executive program be designed for implementing the faculty peer mentoring model based on the identified principled indicators. The peer mentoring program for Farhangian University faculty encompasses intra-behavioral (individual), intra-organizational, and extra-organizational dimensions, requiring supra-organizational planning
Keywords
Subjects

Abedini Jafari, H., Taslimi, M. S., Faghihi, A., & Sheikhzadeh, M. (2011). Thematic analysis and thematic networks: A simple and efficient method for explaining patterns in qualitative data. Strategic Management Thought, 2(10), 151–198. (In Persian).
Abtahi, H., & Mousavi, M. (2009). Human resource strategy formulation (A case study of one of the country’s spiritual organizations). Quarterly Journal of Human Resource Management Research, Imam Hossein University, 1(3), 1–23. (In Persian).
Ahmadhani, D., & Afshar, M. (2016). The effect of encouragement on employee performance: A case study of the special police commander of West Tehran. Police Science, 1(2), 41–63. (In Persian).
Ahmadipour, S. (2014). The impact of management information systems on the university educational system and its challenges. In Proceedings of the First National Conference on Challenges of Information Technology Management in Organizations and Industries. University of Tehran. (In Persian).
Ambrose, L. (2003). Multiple mentoring: Discover alternatives to a one-on-one learning relationship. Healthcare Executive, 18(4), 58–60.
Angelique, H., Kyle, K., & Taylor, E. (2002). Mentors and muses: New strategies for academic success. Innovative Higher Education, 6(3), 195–209.
Ashley, N., Tomlinson, M.S.N., NP-C, RN & Nancy, G. (2025). Association of Peer Mentoring on Nursing Student Retention: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Nursing Education, 64(5), 294–298.
Beane-Katner, L. (2014). Anchoring a mentoring network in a new faculty development program. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 22(2), 91–103.
Braun, V., Clarke, V. (2006). “Using thematic analysis in psychology”. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3( 2, 77-101.
Brown, C. & Militello, M.(2016). "Principal's perceptions of effective professional development in schools", Journal of Educational Administration,6(4). 56-67.
Buch, K., Huet, Y., Rorrer, A., & Roberson, L. (2011). Removing the barriers to full professor: A mentoring program for associate professors. The Magazine for Higher Learning, 43(6), 38–45.
Darvishi, Z., & Fozounmehr, N. (2017). Evaluation of the scientific and ethical status of faculty members and instructors of Farhangian University based on the Ministry of Science indicators. Teacher Professional Development, 2(4), 1–18. (In Persian).
Fetrat, M. A., Khorasani, A., Abolghasemi, M., & Ghahremani, M. (2015). Designing a performance management model for faculty members of Kabul University. Iranian Journal of Higher Education, 7(4), 141–174. (In Persian).
Ghasemi, M., & Salehi, K. (2017). Pathology of the barriers and challenges facing newly recruited faculty members’ activities. Higher Education, 9(2), 81–103. (In Persian).
Hanham, J. (2025). Indigenous mentor’s understandings of being a mentor in higher education: insights from a Canadian university.
Hozien, W. (2023). Creating a Mentoring Culture: Cultivating Leadership Potential in Faculty and Staff. MDPI, 31, 1-12.
Jamalizadeh, B., Nasresfahani, A., & Nili, M. R. (2019). The professional life cycle model of university faculty members and the competencies required at each stage. Teaching Research, 7(3), 159–179. (In Persian).
Kamali, Y. (2018). Methodology of thematic analysis and its application in public policy studies. Public Policy Journal, 2(2), 189–208. (In Persian).
Karimi, R., Navehebrahim, A., Hasanpour, A., & Mousapour, N. (2020). Designing a performance evaluation model for faculty members of Farhangian University. Journal of School Administration, 9(3), 253–284. (In Persian).
Knight, J. (2003). Updated internationalization definition. International Higher Education, 33(2003), 2-3
Lange, Th., & Wittek, L. (2023). Faculty Peer Group Mentoring in Higher Education - Developing Collegiality through Organised Supportive Collaboration. Springer Nature, 2(17), 1-49.
Laura, G. (2025). From the ground up: Building a peer mentorship program for new graduate students. Biophysical Journal, 124(3), 146-153.
Le, H.G., Sok, S., Heng, K. (2024). The benefits of peer mentoring in higher education: findings from a systematic review. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, 31(1), 1-29.
Ma, L., Dong, Y., Jiang, H., Wu, X., Wang, H. (2025). Supporting the Supporters: How Peer Mentoring Engagement Reduces Citizenship Fatigue for Sophomores in Universities. British Educational Research Journal, 51(3), 1538-1558.
Mehrmohammadi, M. (2016). The path traveled at Farhangian University. Roshd-e Moallem, 35(1), 1–21. (In Persian).
Packard, B. W.-L., Walsh, L., & Seidenberg, S. (2009). Will that be one mentor or two? A cross-sectional study of women’s mentoring during college. Mentoring and Tutoring, 12(1), 71–85.
Rajabi, M., Hasani, M., & Mohajeran, B. (2016). Investigating the role of human resource development activities on employee innovation by testing the mediating role of knowledge management and organizational learning. Initiative and Creativity in Human Sciences, 6(3), 151–178. (In Persian).
Rashidi, Z. (2018). Identifying the challenges of social development of faculty members in comprehensive universities of Tehran: An analysis of the bullying phenomenon. Journal of Cultural-Social Development Studies, 7(3), 89–115. (In Persian).
Rush  H, Bessant J, Hobday M.(2014).  Eoghan Hanrahanc, and Mauricio Medeiros. "The evolution and use of a policy and research tool: assessing the technological capabilities of firms." Technology Analysis & Strategic Management; 26(3),  353–365.
Scott, W. (2012). Theory of financial accounting. (Translated by Ali Parsaeean). Tehran: Terme.
Sean, P. Yee, N,. Papalia, J., Deshler, K. C., Rogers, A. Lamarche, R. (2024). Graduate Student Instructor Peer-Mentoring: Design and Impact. PRIMUS, 4(7), 693-713
Shahnavazi, H., Sedghi, S., & Khalesi, N. (2018). Investigating the individual and occupational factors affecting the health of Tehran forensic medicine staff based on the holistic well-being model. Iran Occupational Health, 15(5), 1–9. (In Persian).
Shams Zare, M., Tahmasbi, R., & Yazdani, H. R. (2018). Assessing human resource management process maturity based on the Phillips model. Human Resource Management Research, 10(1), 1–24. (In Persian).
Tahmasbi, S., Fartookzadeh, H., Bushehri, A., & Rajabi, M. (2019). Capability traps in the development path of state-owned industrial organizations. Strategic Management Thought, 13(2), 235–275. (In Persian).
Toreid, HE., Mosseng Sjølie, B.H., Bjørbæk, S.A., K¨ohler, M. (2025). Digital peer mentoring in higher education: Results from a qualitative study involving digital part-time nursing students. Heliyon, 11(7), 1-9.
Torre, E.M., Emanuel, F., Felisatti, E. (2025). Peer Mentoring per costruire una comunità di docenti e promuovere l’innovazione nella didattica universitaria: il progetto PM_UniTo. Italian Journal of Educational Research, 34, 109121.
Voinea M. & Adamuti-Trache, M. (2025). The Role of Academic Mentoring in Building Sustainable Universities. Social Sciences and Law, 17(2), 41-52.