Mentoring characteristics and functions: mentoring’s influence on salespeople
Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
ISSN: 0885-8624
Article publication date: 6 March 2019
Issue publication date: 12 March 2019
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine a longitudinal study of mentoring functions and their effect on salesperson attitudes and intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a multi-year study of salespeople beginning when the salesperson entered the industry being examined.
Findings
The level of interaction between the mentor and protégé was found to be the only antecedent examined that related to the perceived quality of mentoring functions. Age, education and length of employment for both parties; the degree of age and education difference; and the length of the mentoring relationship were not significant. Successful mentoring appeared to be based heavily on a mentor’s willingness and ability to interact frequently with the protégé.
Originality/value
This study adds to the literature on mentoring, looking at mentoring in a sales context. Research examining mentoring in a sales setting is much more limited than in many other professions, so the findings represent a valuable addition to the sales mentoring literature. Its influence on sales socialization may be very important.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of the special section “Closed to new submissions challenger sale – future of selling?”, guest edited by Talai Osmonbekov.
Citation
Brashear-Alejandro, T., Barksdale, H., Bellenger, D.N., Boles, J.S. and James, C. (2019), "Mentoring characteristics and functions: mentoring’s influence on salespeople", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 303-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-09-2017-0223
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited