Upward Maintenance Tactics in Supervisory Mentoring and Nonmentoring Relationships

Abstract

This study explored the communication strategies junior colleagues use In preserve stable mentoring and nonmentorig relationships with their supervisors. Data collected from 259 managerial and technical/professional employees suggest informally mentored subordinates use a distinctive pattern of upward maintenance tactics with their supervisors. Interestingly, few differences among formal supervisory protégés, nonsupervisory protégés, and nonprotégés emerged. Implications for mentorship theory, research, and practice are discussed.