Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1993

Thesis Director

Melanie McKee (Mills)

Abstract

Mentoring is an old phenomenon which dates back to ancient Greece. It has recently gained the attention of researchers in organizational and business settings. The study examines mentoring relationships in the real estate industry. The purpose of this study was to identify whether mentoring takes place in a particular occupation, specifically real estate, and to further investigate the functions and qualities of the mentoring relationships. Sixty-three questionnaires were distributed to local real estate agents. Twenty-seven were returned yielding a response rate of 42%. Six follow-up interviews were conducted to compliment the quantitative data from the questionnaire. Results indicated that 80% of all respondents did have mentors and the mentors were usually the boss of broker/owner of the business. T-test results indicated that women scored higher on three career function variables which were: introduced to other managers, increased contact with other managers, and helped protege meet new colleagues. Men scored higher on one career function variable identified as "helped protege finish tasks." Five out of six interviewees agreed that mentoring does make a difference in career success. Results indicated that mentors can beneficial to real estate agents and may help them become successful.

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