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Comparison of Traditional, Step-Ahead, and Peer Mentoring on Protégés' Support, Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Career Success: A Social Exchange Perspective

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Abstract

This study applied social exchange theory as a conceptual framework to examine the effectiveness of various types of mentors and mentor support on protégés' satisfaction with their mentors, jobs, and perceived career success. Participants were 142 ethnically diverse protégés in informal mentoring relationships. It was found that role modeling, reciprocity, and vocational support predicted protégés' satisfaction with their mentors. Vocational support was a significant predictor of protégés' job satisfaction and perceived career success. Protégés were more satisfied with, had higher job satisfaction, and reported that traditional mentors provided significantly more vocational and role modeling support than peer or step-ahead mentors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, College of Business, Loyola Marymount University, 7900 Loyola Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90045

    Ellen A. Ensher

  2. Claremont Graduate University, USA

    Craig Thomas

  3. Claremont McKenna College, USA

    Susan E. Murphy

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  1. Ellen A. Ensher
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  2. Craig Thomas
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  3. Susan E. Murphy
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Ensher, E.A., Thomas, C. & Murphy, S.E. Comparison of Traditional, Step-Ahead, and Peer Mentoring on Protégés' Support, Satisfaction, and Perceptions of Career Success: A Social Exchange Perspective. Journal of Business and Psychology 15, 419–438 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007870600459

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