Mutual learning in peer mentoring: effects on mentors and protégés

ABSTRACT

Mentoring traditionally is described as a relationship in which the protégé learns through mentoring functions provided by the mentor. However, researchers continue to question how mentors profit from this relationship. Drawing from social exchange theory, the current study aims to examine the mutually beneficial nature of the mentoring relationship by examining antecedents for and learning outcomes of mentoring relationships for mentor and protégé simultaneously. We collected data from 146 mentoring teams in a student peer-mentoring program of a German university at three points of measurement. Results were consistent with our hypotheses in that mentor and protégé learning goal orientation and meeting frequency predict mentoring functions received by protégés, which in turn, were related to mentor and protégé learning. By concurrently investigating mentor and protégé learning, at the individual and team levels, this research further demonstrates how mentoring may be a mutually beneficial learning relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• Mentoring
• mutual learning
• learning goal orientation
• mentoring functions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under grant number 01PL1706. The funding source was not involved in the conduct of this research.

Notes on contributors

Mariella Stockkamp

Dr. Mariella Stockkamp studied Psychology (B.Sc.) and Economic and Organizational Psychology (M.Sc.) at the LMU Munich. Afterwards, she completed her doctorate (Dr. phil.) at LMU Munich. Her research interests focus on how leadership and employee well-being unfold in the area of digital and flexible working. Furthermore, she investigates the effectiveness of mentoring programs. Dr. Stockkamp worked as researcher and trainer at the LMU Center for Leadership and People Management and as a lecturer for leadership and management at the University of Performing Arts Munich. She now works in the consulting industry.

Veronica M. Godshalk

Veronica M. (Ronnie) Godshalk is a Professor of Management at the Pennsylvania State University. She is the Associate Chief Academic Officer at Penn State Great Valley. Dr. Godshalk has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in management, leadership, and strategy. She is the recipient of several teaching awards, including the Teaching & Learning with Technology Fellowship, and the Arthur L. Glenn Award for Faculty Teaching Innovation. Dr. Godshalk has published many books, articles, and chapters, and her research interests include issues surrounding career management, mentoring, as well as online pedagogy. With co-authors Jeff Greenhaus and Gerry Callanan, she recently published a 5th edition of Career Management for Life. She is an active member in professional associations, such as the Academy of Management. Dr. Godshalk had worked in the computer industry in sales and sales management prior to entering academia and has been a consultant for several Fortune 500 companies.