The Effects of Structural Attributes and Demographic Characteristics on Protege Satisfaction in Mentoring Programs

Abstract

This study examined whether the structural attributes of a formal mentoring program and/or certain demographic characteristics of participants in the program influence protege satisfaction. Proteges, employed in a traditionally male occupation, were sampled from a federal agency's mentoring program. According to policy, the agency attempted to assign proteges to one of three mentors they previously requested. An internally-developed measure, designed to assess protege satisfaction, was distributed after their completion in the program. A total of 565 surveys were received from 1998 to 2000. Results indicated that feedback in the assignment process and the frequency of meetings between the protege and mentor were more important determinants of protege satisfaction than racial and gender differences between proteges and the dyad.