What did you expect? An examination of career-related support and social support among mentors and proteges

Perceptions of mentors and proteges were examined ro understand how, the me ntoring Exchange is perceived and how perceptions of the exchange influence feelings about the relationship. In particular, we suggest that ther are s pecific behaviors related to career and social support exhibited throughout the mentoring process. It was hypothesized that when relevant career and s ocial support behaviors are exhibited sufficiently, to meet the expectation s of a partner, higher levels of relationship effectiveness, and trust for a partner are realized Findings indicate that when proteges are open to adv isement and coaching and pur forth effort in accomplishing required work or projects, a mentor' s perceptions of relationship effectiveness and trust felt for the protege are positively influenced. When mentors engage in suff icient levels of social support behaviors to meet a protege's exgecrations, a protege' will form higher perceptions of relationship effectiveness and trust for the mentor. The findings of this study, implications for managers , and suggestions for future research are discussed in derail. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Inc, All rights reserved.