Mentoring phases and outcomes

As a relationship, mentorship is theorized to evolve through several stages over time (Kram, 1985). Results from 178 proteges supported Kram's sequence of four mentoring phases: Initiation, Cultivation, Separation, and Redefinition. In addition, proteges in the Initiation phase reported lower levels of mentoring functions than other proteges; however, no significant differences across these phases were found for a variety of job/career outcomes. Data from 82 current proteges and 69 former proteges were compared with those from 93 individuals who reported never having a mentor. The three groups were compared on career outcomes, job satisfaction, organizational socialization, and income measures across a 5-year period. Results showed consistent differences between mentored and nonmentored individuals. (C) 1997 Academic Press.