Mentor Ethics and Professional Standards in Mentoring

Question 1

What is the primary ethical obligation of a mentor regarding confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To protect information shared by the mentee unless there is a safety or legal obligation to disclose

Answer

Mentors must protect the confidentiality of what mentees share, only disclosing when there is a clear safety or legal obligation to do so.

Question 2

What is a 'dual relationship' in mentoring and why is it problematic?

Accepted Answer

When the mentor holds another role relative to the mentee—such as manager, evaluator, or close friend—that creates a conflict of interest

Answer

Dual relationships create conflicts of interest because the mentor's other role may compromise objectivity, confidentiality, or the mentee's ability to speak freely.

Question 3

When does a mentor have an ethical obligation to break confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When there is credible risk of harm to the mentee or others, or a legal obligation to report

Answer

Confidentiality can ethically be broken when there is a genuine safety risk to the mentee or others, or when a legal reporting obligation exists.

Question 4

What is the ethical principle of 'do no harm' in a mentoring context?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the mentor's advice and actions support the mentee's wellbeing rather than serving the mentor's interests

Answer

'Do no harm' in mentoring means ensuring the mentor's guidance, disclosures, and actions prioritize the mentee's wellbeing and do not serve the mentor's own interests at the mentee's expense.

Question 5

What should a mentor do if they experience a personal bias toward a mentee?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the bias to themselves, seek supervision or reflection, and if necessary disclose it or adjust the relationship

Answer

Acknowledging and reflecting on personal bias—through self-awareness, supervision, or disclosure—is the ethical response that protects the mentee from its distorting effects.

Mentor Practice Test

Mentor Practice Test

Mentor Ethics and Professional Standards in Mentoring