Synergy, care, and constructive chaos: Conceptualizing the dynamics of an international global co-mentoring network

Abstract

This chapter seeks to advance a theory of global mentoring from the perspective of an international co-mentoring network of women academics. The authors identify and describe the impact of synergy and care as a framework for the transformation of chaos into constructive chaos as essential elements needed to bring about positive outcomes in collaborative academic endeavors. The focus of their inquiry was on the global Curve-Y-FRiENDS (C-Y-F), a network of women collaborating across language, culture, and national boundaries. The authors examined how the membership is defined and experienced by members and what makes the network function in an age of increased globalization and technical innovation. To develop a theory of practice, they analyzed the work generated by members of the network, such as published papers, conference presentations, and other planned activities that either ended successfully or failed. In their analysis, they questioned whether proceedings, abstracts, paper presentations, and publications by members of the network reflected an alignment to the above theoretical concepts.