The influence of mentor network to new employees' career success

Abstract

Drawing on the social capital theory and mentoring theory, this article developed and tested a longitudinal study model to explain the influence of mentor and social network to new employees' career success. Using a sample of 252 newcomers from a public copper refining company in China, this paper examined the association between mentoring relationship and career success in varying social network density. The results showed that mentor tie strength had a positive influence to promotion and career satisfaction. We also found that network density moderated the relationship between mentor tie strength and career satisfaction; the relationship was positive in low network density but negative in high network density. Finally, this paper discussed the findings, implications and future directions.