Comparison of traditional, step-ahead, and peer mentoring on proteges' support, satisfaction, and perceptions of career success: A social exchange perspective

This study applied social exchange theory as a conceptual framework to examine the effectiveness of various types of mentors and mentor support on proteges' satisfaction with their mentors, jobs, and perceived career success. Participants were 142 ethnically diverse proteges in informal mentoring relationships. It was found that role modeling, reciprocity, and vocational support predicted proteges' satisfaction with their mentors. Vocational support was a significant predictor of proteges' job satisfaction and perceived career success. Proteges 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.