Essential Formal Mentor Characteristics and Functions in Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations from the Program Administrator's and the Mentor's Perspective

Abstract

This study examines (from the formal mentor's perspective) who mentors are (essential traits) as well as what mentors do (essential functions) in four types of organizations (i.e., academic, business, military-armed forces, and military-academic organizations). We found that industry context and gender do significantly influence perceptions of the ideal formal mentor characteristics. Results also indicate formal mentors place more importance on mentor traits (compared to mentor behaviors). Implications for this research include considering revision of the criteria used for the selection of formal mentors.