Date of Award
3-31-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Department
College of Business
First Advisor
David C. Hood, Ph.D.
Committee Members
Suzanne M. Buglione; Corey Martin Fitzgerald
Keywords
Black queer theory; Identity development; Intersectionality; Mentorship; Professional identity development; LGBTQ studies; Business administration; Organizational behavior; Gender studies; Black studies
Abstract
This descriptive-phenomenological study examined the role of mentorship in shaping identity. There is limited literature that examines mentorship as an identity-shaping process among Black queer men (BQM). Intersectional and Black queer theory provided the theoretical framework for thematic analysis.
Within the workplace, BQM must negotiate the effects of double marginalization resulting from racism and anti-queer biases. The effects of racism and anti-queer biases can lead to adverse psychological and physical health outcomes, negatively impacting the careers of Black and queer individuals. BQM benefit from support that addresses and acknowledges how their identity shapes their experiences. Mentorship can provide BQM with the psychological and career support needed to advance their careers.
This study was guided by the research question “What meaning do Black queer men ascribe to their experiences with mentorship in their racial identity and sexual identity development, and what is the impact on their professional identity formation?” A descriptive-phenomenological research design was employed because it enabled the researcher to conduct semi-structured interviews with a sample of BQM with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional work experience. An inductive thematic analysis enabled the researcher to review interview transcripts and identify major themes common among participants.
The findings of this study show that mentorship can serve as an identity-shaping process for BQM when mentors affirm identities, teach how to navigate heteronormative White spaces, serve as guides for professionalism, and reinforce boundaries. While mentorship can serve as an identity-shaping process for BQM, it does not eliminate the systems of oppression that create barriers to success.
This study creates a blueprint for scholars to explore other intersecting identities to examine how mentorship shapes identity across demographics.
Recommended Citation
Christian, Kai, "Mentorship as Identity Work: The Meaning Black Queer Men Ascribe to Mentorship in Identity Development and Professional Identity Formation" (2026). JWU Dissertations & Theses. 39.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/jwu_etd/39
