The perceived value of mentoring: empirical development of a five-factor framework

by Stephen C. Betts, Louis J. Pepe

ABSTRACT

Mentoring in business has gained significant popularity in professional practice and attention by academic researchers. Those who study mentor/protege relationships have concluded that mentors provide psychosocial and instrumental career support for proteges. In this study we look beyond the types of support and address the outcomes associated with the mentor/protege relationship. The results of a cross sectional survey show five distinct outcomes associated with mentor/protege relationships: success, awareness, advancement, attitudes and behaviors. The survey also reveals differences in perceived value of mentoring between those who have mentors and those who do not, those who are involved in mandatory and voluntary mentoring programs and gender based differences. The five factor framework and results are examined and integrated into the existing literature. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners and suggestions for further research.

INTRODUCTION
Mentoring is a sustained relationship between a younger, less experienced individual (protege) and an older, more experienced individual (mentor) dedicated to achieving long term success and fulfillment (Burke, 1984; Kram, 1985). Mentors provide support, visibility, resources and direction (Ragins, 1989). By providing these functions, mentoring relationships benefit both the individuals involved and the organization (Joiner, Bartram & Garreffa, 2004).
In this paper we look beyond the types of support that mentoring provides and address the outcomes associated with the mentor/protege relationship. The results of a cross sectional survey show five distinct outcomes associated with mentor/protege relationships: success, awareness, advancement, attitudes and behaviors. The five-factor framework and results are examined and integrated into the existing literature. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners and suggestions for further research.

LIST OF OTHER PUBLISHED WORKS:

Referred

Journal Articles

Pepe, L. J. December 2007 ‘Challenges of Facility Needs’, School Business Affairs, Association of School Business Officials International.

Pepe, L. J. January 2005 ‘Implementing Successful Change: Conveying vs. Directing’, School Business Affairs, pp. 18-20, Association of School Business Officials International.

Pepe, L. J. October 2004‘Implementing Successful Change: Conveying vs. Directing’, Key Post Volume XXI No. 1, New Jersey Association of School Business Officials.

Pepe, L. J. October 2002‘Taking Up Residency’ , Key Post Volume XIX No. 1, pg 10, New Jersey Association of School Business Officials.

Pepe, L. J. October 2001‘Autumn Transitions: Creating Order During Administrative Change’, Key Post Volume XVIII No. 1, pg 14-15, New Jersey Association of School Business Officials.