Influence of the Mentor Competence on the Mentee Satisfaction: Mediation and Moderation

Abstract

Mentee satisfaction is a common dependant variable, and it is commonly used to justify mentoring programs. Additionally, mentor competency is one of the main characteristics that constitutes a good mentor, it is a relevant aspect to be considered in the selection of the mentors, and in the training offered before the mentoring relationship starts. We analyzed mentoring in university settings, measuring mentor competency, mentee satisfaction, mentor trust, perceptions based on the role, and session content in a sample of 7245 mentor-mentee pairs after mentoring sessions were held. Regression analysis showed the influence of mentor competency in mentee satisfaction mediated by trust and moderated by perceptions based on the role (mentor vs. mentee) and the session content. The model explains 57% of the variability. Results support the relevance of trust in the mentoring relationship, and the influence of mentor competence in mentee satisfaction in university settings. Findings have implications for the conceptualization of mentoring models and provide relevant information to consider when designing training for new mentors in higher education. Findings can be used for theory building in mentoring relationships by providing contextual data linked to university settings in Southern Europe.