Formal leadership mentoring and motivation to lead in South Korea

Abstract

Formal mentoring helps proteges overcome perceived leadership role barriers. Thus, the number of proteges in leadership positions may be increased with good mentoring that will enhance their motivation to lead. In this paper, we examined the extent to which formal leadership mentoring influences proteges' motivation to lead via increased leadership self-efficacy. Data were collected from 174 mentor-protege dyads in nine organizations in South Korea. We found that motivation to lead was related to formal leadership mentoring through enhanced leadership self-efficacy. In addition, mentoring quality and motivation to learn played important roles in elaborating this mechanism in positive ways. Contrary to our hypothesis, female proteges were less likely than male proteges to reap benefits from formal leadership mentoring. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.