Proteges' negative mentoring experiences: Construct development and nomological validation

Two studies were conducted to operationalize the construct of negative mentoring experiences, establish content validity, and test theory-based predictions associated with a nomological network of related variables. As predicted, the negative experiences of mentor Distancing Behavior and Lack of Mentor Expertise were more often reported in the separation phase and among proteges in formally arranged mentoring relationships. All types of experiences were related to career-related support, psychosocial support, and learning, with Distancing Behavior being most highly related to career support and learning. Significant correlations were also found with relational complementarity, social exchange perceptions, intentions to leave the relationship, depressed mood, and psychological job withdrawal. Negative mentoring was also distinct from positive mentoring, general workplace stress, and dissatisfying social relationships at work, providing discriminant validity evidence. Finally, negative mentoring had explanatory power in predicting protegeoutcomes over and above positive mentoring. The findings are discussed in terms of future research on mentoring as well as applied practice.