"To Be Or Not To Be": Perceived Benefits of Mentoring in the United States Air Force

Present study examined the perceived benefits of mentoring, in direct opposition to not mentoring, for four USAF career-success influencing variables. Data derived from the November 2008 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members from U.S. Air Force members (n = 2487) analyzed via independent sample t-test comparing mentored (n = 1745) and non-mentored (n = 742) Airmen. This research effort tested whether Airmen's' perceptions differed concerning overall stress, retention, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Results indicate mentor-protégé relationships did not appear to impact perceived stress levels but did significantly influence perceptions of retention, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment for USAF members. Results indicate opportunities exist for USAF leaders to maximize benefits of mentoring to positively influence Airmen's perceptions of organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover. Further research warranted on the impact of mentoring and perceived stress.