Strategic Partnering for Dissertation Development

Doctoral degree candidates struggle to successfully complete their degree program. The problem is that doctoral students are able to successfully complete their coursework, but not the research study that is necessary to earn their doctorate degree. Adequate support is needed to assist the doctoral candidate with attaining their goal of degree completion. Data for this study identified strategies and created a potential model for mentorship. The theoretical framework included Kram’s theory of mentorship and Knowle’s theory of Andragogy. The research question and hypothesis addressed the personal experiences of doctoral candidates as it relates to their relationship with their doctoral mentors. This quantitative correlational research study used a Likert-type scale. The data resulted in a proposed model for the successful relationship between the candidate and chair. Conducting this research aided in developing a model of support that the chair and candidate can use to create a process for working to develop the dissertation. This study can impact society by providing a model of support for partnerships in education and other industries as well.