Date of Award

3-21-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

John J. Elshaw, PhD.

Abstract

The role of cognitive apprenticeship has been emphasized in facilitating individual performance in the classroom, but there is limited quantitative research directly linking cognitive behaviors to mentoring relationships and workplace performance. This study investigates the characteristics of mentoring behavior that influence group performance using archival data from 52 different organizations. A mediation model is developed and the results indicate that the group-level of mentors' cognitive behavior plays a central role in the mentor-protege relationship. The findings suggest that the mentors' collective articulation of problem solving processes fully mediate the unit's performance, while reflection and exploration partially mediate the relationship. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-13-M-14

DTIC Accession Number

ADA583378

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