The Role of Doctoral Advisors: A Look at Advising from the Advisor's Perspective

Abstract

The doctoral advisor is said to be one of the most important persons--if not "the" single most critical person--with whom doctoral students will develop a relationship during their doctoral degree programs (Baird 1995). However, we have limited knowledge regarding how doctoral advisors see their roles and responsibilities as advisors. Therefore, through in-depth interviews, we explored the perceptions of 25 exemplary doctoral advisors, who have graduated a large number of doctoral students, about their roles and responsibilities as advisors. We conclude this article with implications for doctoral education.