The Perceived Value of Mentoring: Empirical Development of a Five-Factor Framework (Report‪)‬

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.