Mentoring relationships in sport management: Perceptions of faculty as proteges

This study examined the mentoring process and the relationships established in the academic field of sport management, and identified aspects of the relationships likely to yield positive perceptual outcomes. Specifically, the researcher examined three relationships: (a) the relationship between antecedent factors (i.e., demographics and organizational environment factors) and barriers; (b) expectations of the mentoring relationship, and (c) the role of expectations regarding relationship effectiveness, trust, and job satisfaction in relation to perceptions of actual mentoring support. Existing theoretical frameworks developed by Weaver and Chelladurai (1999) and Young and Perrewe (2000) were the basis of the theoretical framework developed for this study.;Data were collected from 161 sport management faculty members in North America currently teaching in sport management academic programs. The results indicated no significant differences between females and males regarding the perceived barriers to establishing a mentoring relationship. Additionally, there were no significant differences between racial/ethnic minorities and perceived barriers. High perceptions of mentoring opportunities had no influence on role behavior expectations. Mentoring rewards had no influence on expectations for finding a mentoring partner. The results of the perceptions of role behavior received (career and social support behaviors) on perceptual outcomes (relationship effectiveness, trust, and job satisfaction) exhibited by mentors and proteges in the mentoring relationship indicated met expectations mediated perceptions of relationship effectiveness in the mentoring relationship. Additionally, if the protege's expectations of the mentor's career and social support behaviors were met, higher perceptions of trust resulted. Finally, this study examined the perception of met expectations and reported levels of job satisfaction for the protege.;The results of the current study provided insight related to the influence of role behaviors received on relationship effectiveness, the influence of role behaviors received on trust, and the influence of met expectations on job satisfaction. The findings of this study, implications for sport management doctoral students, faculty members, programs, institutions, and NASSM, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed in detail.