Intimate relationships are defined as close associations between individuals that involve emotional, physical, and psychological closeness. They can take different forms depending on the context and can be romantic, platonic, familial, or professional. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to the role that these intimate connections play in shaping an individual's personal and professional life. While much research has focused on how intimate relationships impact personal wellbeing, less is known about their influence on formal and informal mentoring relationships, sponsorship, and career advocacy. This article explores this issue and examines how these relationships intersect with each other in various ways, highlighting their potential benefits and drawbacks for both individuals and organizations.
Mentorships are structured partnerships where more experienced professionals provide guidance, advice, and support to novice members of an organization or field. Formal mentorships typically involve a formal agreement between the mentor and mentee, and they may last for a set amount of time or be open-ended. Informal mentorships, on the other hand, are less structured and often arise organically through social networks or professional relationships. Both types of mentorships have been shown to benefit mentees by providing them with access to new opportunities, knowledge, and skills.
Little is known about how intimacy affects these relationships.
Sponsorship involves actively promoting and advocating for another person's career within an organization. Sponsors may help individuals gain visibility, secure promotions, or obtain resources needed to advance their careers. Unlike mentorships, which focus on individual development, sponsorship emphasizes leveraging power and connections to create opportunities. Research suggests that having close relationships with superiors can increase the likelihood of receiving sponsorship, as they perceive the individual as trustworthy and reliable. Yet, there is limited research on how intimate relationships impact sponsorship.
Career advocacy refers to taking active steps to promote another person's career outside of one's immediate network. This can include writing letters of recommendation, introducing someone to relevant contacts, or advocating for raises or promotions. Like sponsorship, advocacy relies on building strong relationships and demonstrating commitment to helping others succeed. While there is some evidence that intimate relationships can facilitate this process, more research is needed.
Intimate relationships appear to play a role in shaping formal and informal mentoring relationships, sponsorship, and career advocacy. Having close personal ties with colleagues or supervisors may increase the likelihood of receiving support and advancement, but it also has potential drawbacks.
People may be reluctant to advocate for others if they feel conflicted between personal and professional interests. Moreover, intimacy can blur boundaries and lead to favoritism or ethical breaches.
While intimate relationships can enhance formal and informal relationships, they must be navigated carefully to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
How do intimate relationships influence formal and informal mentoring relationships, sponsorship, and career advocacy?
Intimate relationships with peers and family members can have different effects on mentoring, sponsorship, and career advocacy depending on the context and individuals involved. The benefits of having close relationships outside of work may include increased social support and understanding of one another's values and goals, which could lead to better communication and greater trust between mentors/sponsors and mentees/advisees.