Organizational benefits of mentoring

Executive Overview When an older, more experienced member of an organization takes a junior colleague “under his or her wing,” aiding in the organizational socialization of the less experienced person and passing along knowledge gained through years of living within the organization, a mentoring relationship is said to exist. Both principals in this type of relationship benefit in ways which have often been discussed and, accordingly, many companies have instituted formal mentoring programs. In this article, the authors examine the benefits which flow, not strictly to the individuals involved, but to the organization that fosters mentoring relationships. Principal benefits are the transmission of corporate culture and the provision of a “deep sensing” apparatus for top management. The design of mentoring programs, choice of mentors, and potential pitfalls of mentoring are discussed.