Final answer:
The statement is true, as good mentorship often involves informal communication, which fosters relationships and creativity necessary for career development. It supports collegial interactions in modern flat organizational structures and is especially important for women in overcoming workplace challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that good mentorship communication is often informal is true. Informal mentorship allows for a relaxed environment where spontaneous and genuine interactions can foster more personal and in-depth conversations. This type of environment can be crucial for developing creativity and learning in the workplace.
Indeed, informal training via mentorship is an integral part of not only orienting new employees into a company's culture but also in aiding their career development. For instance, as highlighted by Steitz (2010), outstanding discoveries and developments often stem from an active exchange of ideas and knowledge, which are encouraged in informal settings.
Furthermore, the modern trend towards flatter organizational structures supports the need for informal communication between all levels within a hierarchy. Collegial relationships with managers and coworkers can enhance job performance and satisfaction, as well as allow the flow of ideas from mentors to mentees without the barriers that formal structures often impose.
For women in particular, as found by McKeen & Bujaki (2007), mentorship can be a powerful tool to connect to informal networks and tackle potential barriers, such as discrimination and feelings of isolation.