The Mentoring Relationship as a Context for Psychological Contract Development

Abstract

This study examined the mentoring relationship as a context for the development of psychological contracts and investigated the obligations that mentors and protégés feel that they owe and are owed in the mentoring relationship. By using psychological contract theory, we develop new insights into the dynamics of the mentoring relationship and extend psychological contract research by applying the theory to a relation outside the employer-employee context. Results indicate that both parties perceive that they owe and are owed obligations, and these perceptions are influenced by the formality of the relationship and the supervisory status of the mentor. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.j asp_924 1904..1931

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“…As such, the findings are consistent with past mentoring researchers who have noted that the mentoring relationship was key to a mentee's growth and professional fulfillment and satisfaction (Allen & Eby, 2004;Barker, 2006;Haggard & Turban, 2012;Strayhorn & Saddler, 2009). Often times, counselor education mentors move between various roles when working with students and other faculty mentees.…”

Key components of an effective mentoring relationship: A qualitative study

“…Nurse educator protégés and mentors also identified open communication and availability as important qualities of a mentor (Huybrecht et al, 2011; White et al, 2010; Wilson et al, 2010). Haggard and Turban (2012) identified mentors’ availability to talk with protégés as a relational obligation of the relationship.…”

“…This difference highlights the vulnerability of protégés and their desire for a safe environment where mentors can listen without criticism. Ehrich et al (2004) reported that mentors who were “critical” resulted in problematic protégé outcomes. Haggard and Turban (2012) identified acceptance as a relational obligation of the mentor.…”

“…In a retrospective study of 152 alumni protégés and 42 of their mentors, Haggard and Turban (2012) identified mentor and protégé functions based on the psychological mentoring contract. This contract consists of perceived obligations on the part of mentors and protégés, including relational and transactional obligations.…”

Psychological contracts: enhancing understanding of the expatriation experience

“…Krishnan, 2011;O'Donohue, Donohue, & Grimmer, 2007;Rousseau & Schalk, 2000); Raeder, Knorr, & Hilb, 2012;Thomas et al, 2010) and within a variety of distinct contexts (e.g. Haggard & Turban, 2012;McDermott, Heffernan, & Beynon, 2013;Sparrow, 1996).…”