Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Understanding the Relational Characteristics of Effective Mentoring and Developmental Relationships at Work

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Supporting Workplace Learning

Part of the book series: Professional and Practice-based Learning ((PPBL,volume 5))

Abstract

This chapter focuses on conceptualising mentoring and other developmental relationships from a relational perspective. Relationships at work are important sources of information, learning, development and can assist with career decision making. Research on mentoring has generated substantial evidence of the outcomes of mentoring. However, there is still a lot left to be learned about how highly effective, meaningful developmental relationships function and how they are constructed and perceived as valuable by the relationship members. Our understanding of these relationships can be enhanced through examining the qualities and characteristics through a relational theory construct. We discuss various roles and functions of developmental relationships vis-à-vis relational or social cognition theory, social support theory, social capital theory, attachment theory, relatedness theory, self-in-relation theory, and leader–member exchange theory. These theories highlight various relationship characteristics with implications for relationship quality such as trust; compatibility; authenticity; dialogue, reflection and feedback; and relationship proximity. This helps explain how supportive relationships flourish and contribute to personal learning and career development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adler, P. S., & Kwon, S. W. (2002). Social capital: Prospects for a new concept. Academy of Management Review, 27(1), 17–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: Assessed in the strange situation and at home. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, T. D., & Eby, L. T. (2003). Relationship effectiveness for mentors: Factors associated with learning and quality. Journal of Management, 29, 469–486.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, T. D., Eby, L. T., & Lentz, E. (2006). Mentorship behaviors and mentorship quality associated with formal mentoring programs: Closing the gap between research and practice. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91(3), 567–578.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, T. D., Poteet, M. L., Eby, L. T., Lentz, E., & Lima, L. (2004). Career benefits associated with mentoring for protégés: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(1), 127–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, S. J., Allinson, C. W., & Hayes, J. (2002). Formal mentoring systems: An examination of the effects of mentor/protégé cognitive styles on the mentoring process. Journal of Management Studies, 39(8), 1111–1137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, A. C., Jensen, P. J., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Conversations as experiential learning. Management Learning, 36(4), 411–427.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blass, F. R., Brouer, R. L., Perrewé, P. L., & Ferris, G. R. (2007). Politics understanding and networking ability as a function of mentoring: The roles of race and gender. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 4(2), 93–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blau P. M. (1964). Exchange and power in social life. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blickle, G., Meurs, J. A., Zettler, I., Solga, J., Noethen, D., Kramer, J., et al. (2008). Personality, political skill, and job performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72(3), 377–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blustein, D. L., Fama, L. D., White, S. F., Ketterson, T. U., Schaefer, B. M., Schwam, M. F., et al. (2001). A qualitative analysis of counseling case material: Listening to our clients. The Counseling Psychologist, 29(2), 242–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boud, D., Keogh, R., & Walker, D. (1985). Promoting reflection in learning: A model. In D. Boud, R. Keogh, & D. Walker (Eds.), Reflection: Turning experience into learning (pp. 18–40). London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss. Volume 1: Attachment (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bozionelos, N. (2006). Mentoring and expressive network resources: Their relationship with career success and emotional exhaustion among Hellenes employees involved in emotion work. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 17(2), 362–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bozionelos, N., & Wang, L. (2006). The relationship of mentoring and network resources with career success in the Chinese organizational environment. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 17(9), 1531–1546.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, R. (1984). Mentors in organisations. Group and Organisation Studies, 9(3), 353–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, R. J., & McKeen, C. A. (1989). Developing formal mentoring programs in organizations. Business Quarterly, 53(3), 76–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burt, R. S. (1992). Structural Holes: The social structure of competition. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feeney M. K., & Bozeman, B. (2008). Mentoring and network ties. Human Relations, 61(12), 1651–1676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clutterbuck, D. (2004). Making the most of informal mentoring: A positive climate is key. Development & Learning in Organizations, 18(4), 16–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clutterbuck, D., & Lane, G. (Eds.). (2004). The situational mentor: An international review of competencies and capabilities in mentoring. Burlington, VT: Gower.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cutrona, C. E. (1996). Social support in couples: Marriage as a resource in times of stress. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cutrona, C. E., & Russell, D. W. (1990). Type of social support and specific stress: Toward a theory of optimal matching. In: B. R. Sarason, I. G. Sarason, & G. R. Pierce (Eds.), Social support: An interactional view (pp. 319–366). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, T. K., & Bing-Sheng Teng, (1998). Between trust and control: Developing confidence in partner cooperation alliances. Academy of Management Review, 23(3), 491–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davidovitz, R., Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., Izak, R., & Popper, M. (2007). Leaders as attachment figures: Leaders’ attachment orientations predict leadership-related mental representations and followers’ performance and mental health. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93(4), 632–650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, H. V. (1969). Frank Parsons: Prophet, innovator, counselor. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Janasz, S. C., & Sullivan, S. E. (2004). Multiple mentoring in academe: Developing the professional network. Journal of Vocational Behaviour, 64(2), 263–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dienesch, R. M., & Liden, R. C. (1986). Leader–member exchange model of leadership: A critique and further development. Academy of Management Review, 11(3), 618–634.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas, C. A., & McCauley, C. D. (1999). Formal developmental relationships: A survey of organizational practices. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 10(3), 203–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, L. T., Butts, M., & Lockwood, A. (2003). Predictors of success in the era of the boundaryless career. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 24(6), 689–708.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, L., Butts, M., Lockwood, A., & Simon, S. (2004). Protégé’s negative mentoring experiences. Personnel Psychology, 57(2), 411–447.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, L. T., & Lockwood, A. (2005). Protégé’s and mentors reactions to participating in formal mentoring programs: A qualitative investigation. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 67(3), 441–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, L. T., & McManus, S. (2004). The protégé’s role in negative mentoring experiences. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(2), 255–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George, B. (2003). Authentic leadership: Rediscovering the secrets to creating lasting value. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • George, B., Sims, P., McLean, A. N., & Mayer, D. (2007). Discovering your authentic leadership. Harvard Business Review, 85(2), 129–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, W., & Trudel, P. (2005). Learning to coach through experience: Conditions that influence reflection. Physical Educator, 62(1), 32–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graen, G. (1976). Role-making processes within complex organizations. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 1201–1245). Chicago: Rand McNally.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graen, G., Novak, M., & Sommerkamp, P. (1982). The effects of leader-member exchange and job design on productivity and satisfaction: Testing a dual attachment model. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 30(1), 09–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graen, G. B., & Uhl-Bien, M. (1995). Relationship-based approach to leadership: Development of leader–member exchange (LMX) theory of leadership over 25 years: Applying a multi-level multi-domain perspective. Leadership Quarterly, 6(2), 219–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360–1380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greenhaus, J. H., Callanan, G. A., & DiRenzo, M. (2008). A boundaryless perspective on careers. In C. Cooper & J. Barling (Eds.), The sage handbook of organizational behavior (pp. 277–299). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harmon, L. W., Hansen, J. C., Borgen, F. H., & Hammer, A. L. (1994). Strong interest inventory: Applications and technical guide. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartung, P. J., Blustein, D. L. (2002). Reason, intuition, and social justice: Elaborating on parson’s career decision-making model. Journal of Counseling & Development, 80(1), 41–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hazan, C., & Zeifman, D. (1994). Sex and the psychological tether. In K. Bartholomew & D. Perlman (Eds.), Advances in personal relationships: Attachment processes in adulthood (Vol. 5, pp. 151–177). London: Jessica Kingsley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herriott, P. (2001). Future work and its emotional implications. In R. L. Payne & C. L. Cooper (Eds.), Emotions at work: Theory, research and applications in management. (pp. 307–325). Chichester: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hezlett, S. A., & Gibson, S. K. (2007). Linking mentoring and social capital: Implications for career and organization development. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 9(3), 384–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, M. C. (2000). The more the merrier? Multiple developmental relationships and work satisfaction. Journal of Management Development, 19(4), 277–296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, M. C., & Kram, K. E. (2001). Reconceptualizing mentoring at work: A developmental network perspective. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 264–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, M. C., & Thomas, D. A. (2001). Constellations and careers: Toward understanding the effects of multiple developmental relationships. Journal of Organizational Behaviour, 22(3), 223–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibarra, H. (2000, March/April). Making partner: A mentor’s guide to the psychological journey. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 146–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Issacs, W. (1999). Dialogue and the art of thinking. New York: Currency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Josselson, R. (1992). The space between us: Exploring the dimensions of human relationships. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kernis, M. H. (2003). Toward a conceptualization of optimal self-esteem’. Psychological Inquiry, 14(1), 1–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kram, K. E. (1983). Phases of the mentoring relationship. Academy of Management Journal, 26(4), 608–625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kram, K. E. (1985). Mentoring at work: Developmental relationships in organisational life Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lankau, M. J., & Scandura, T. A. (2002). An investigation of personal learning in mentoring relationships: Content, antecedents, and consequences. Academy of Management Journal, 45(4), 779–790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liden, R. C., & Graen, G. (1980). Generalizability of the vertical dyad linkage model of leadership. Academy of Management Journal, 23(3), 451–465.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leana, C., & van Buren, H. (1999). Organizational social capital and employment practices. Academy of Management Review, 24(3), 538–555.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, F. G. (1995). Contemporary attachment theory: An introduction with implications for counseling psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 23(3), 395–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mainero, L., & Sullivan, S. (2006). The Kaleidoscope career. Mountain View, CA: Davies-Black.

    Google Scholar 

  • McManus, S. E., & Russell, J. E. A. (2007). Peer mentoring relationships. In B. R. Ragins & Kram, K. E. (Eds.), The handbook of mentoring at work: Research, theory and practice (pp. 273–297). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • McManus, S. E., & Russell, J. E. A. (1997). New directions for mentoring research: An examination of related constructs. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 51(1), 145–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Noe, R. A. (1988). An investigation of the determinants of successful assigned mentoring relationships. Personnel Psychology, 41, 457–479.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parker, P., Hall, D. T., & Kram, K. E. (2008). Peer coaching: A relational process for accelerating career learning. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 7(4), 487–503.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, F. (1909). Choosing a vocation. Boston, MA: Houghton-Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, S. D. (1997). Toward an expanded definition of adaptive decision making. Career Development Quarterly, 45(3), 275–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Popper, M., & Mayseless, O. (2003). Back to basics: Applying a parenting perspective to transformational leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 14(1), 41–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Putnam, R. D. (1995). Bowling alone: America’s declining social capital. Journal of Democracy, 6(1), 65–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raelin, J. A. (2002). “I don’t have time to think!” versus the art of reflective practice. Reflections, 4(1). 66–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ragins, B. R., & Cotton, J. L. (1999). Mentor functions and outcomes: A comparison of men and women in formal and informal mentoring relationships. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84, 529–550.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ragins, B. R., Cotton, J. L., & Miller, J. S. (2000). Marginal mentoring: The effects of type of mentor, quality of relationship, and program design on work and career attitudes. Academy of Management Journal, 43(6), 1117–1194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ragins, B. R., & Kram, K. E. (2007). The Handbook of mentoring at work: Research, theory and practice. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ragins, B. R., & Verbos, A. K. (2007). Positive relationships in action: Relational mentoring and mentoring schemas in the workplace. In J. E. Dutton & B. R. Ragins (Eds.), Exploring positive relationships at work (pp. 91–116). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, M. (1998). Reflection and critical reflection in management learning. Management Learning, 29(2), 183–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rousseau, D. M. (1995). Psychological contracts in organizations: Understanding written and unwritten agreements. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rousseau, D., M., Sitkin, S. B., Burt, R. S., & Camerer, C. (1998). Not so different after all: A cross discipline view of trust. Academy of Management Review, 23(3), 393–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scandura, T. A. (1992). Mentorship and career mobility: An empirical investigation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 13(2), 169–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scandura, T. A., & Ragins, B. R. (1993). The effects of sex and gender role orientation on mentorship in male-dominated occupations. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 43(3), 251–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scandura, T. A., & Schriesheim, C. A. (1994). Leader-member exchange and supervisory career mentoring as complementary constructs in leadership research. Academy of Management Journal, 37(6), 1588–1602.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlegel, R. J., Hicks, J. A., Arndt, J., Laura, A., & King, L. A. (2009). Thine own self: True self-concept accessibility and meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(2), 473–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schultheiss, D. E. P., Kress, H. M., Manzi, A. J., & Glasscock, J. M. J. (2001). Relational influences in career development: A qualitative inquiry. The Counseling Psychologist, 29(2), 216–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheppard, B., & Sherman, D. (1998). The grammars of trust: A model and general implications. Academy of Management Review, 23(3), 433–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, R., Ragins, B. R., & Tharenou, P. (2009). What matters most? The relative role of mentoring and career capital in career success. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 75(1), 56–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Surrey, J. L. (1991). The “self-in-relation”: A theory of women’s development. In J. V. Jordan, A. G. Kaplan, J. B. Miller, I. P. Stiver, & J. L. Surrey (Eds.), Women’s growth in connection: Writings form the Stone Center (pp. 51–66). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, C. H., & Lankau, M. J. (2009). Preventing burnout: The effects of LMX and mentoring on socialization, role stress, and burnout. Human Resource Management, 48(3), 417–432.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Woerkom, M. (2004). The Concept of critical reflection and its implications for human resource development. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 6(2), 178–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viator, R. E. (1999). An analysis of formal mentoring programs and perceived barriers to obtaining a mentor at large public accounting firms. Accounting Horizons, 13, 37–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woolcock, M. (1998). Social capital and economic development: Toward a theoretical synthesis and policy framework. Theory and Society, 27(2), 151–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Young, A. M., & Perrewé, P. L. (2000). The exchange relationship between mentors and protégés: The development of a framework. Human Resource Management Review, 10(2), 177–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Personnel & Employment Relations, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

    Andrew D. Rock & Thomas N. Garavan

Authors
  1. Andrew D. Rock
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Thomas N. Garavan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew D. Rock .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept Human Resource Studies, Tilburg University, Postbus 90153, Tilburg, 5000 LE, Netherlands

    Rob F. Poell

  2. Dept. Human Resource Studies, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands

    Marianne van Woerkom

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rock, A.D., Garavan, T.N. (2011). Understanding the Relational Characteristics of Effective Mentoring and Developmental Relationships at Work. In: Poell, R., van Woerkom, M. (eds) Supporting Workplace Learning. Professional and Practice-based Learning, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9109-3_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation