Protégé Selection by Mentors: What Makes the Difference?

This study examined protégé characteristics that mentors reported were most influential when choosing a protégé. Based on existing research, two variables were identified related to protégé selection: perceptions regarding the protégé\u27s potential/ability and perceptions regarding the protégé\u27s need for help. The relationships of these two factors with perceived barriers to mentoring others, mentor advancement aspirations, and mentor gender were investigated. Data from 282 mentors revealed that mentors were more likely to choose a protégé based on perceptions regarding the protégé\u27s ability/potential than based on perceptions regarding the protégé\u27s need for help. Additionally, women were more likely to choose a protégé based on the protégé\u27s perceived ability than were men