Informal (Mentor Match is based on this model.) ~~ In this model, mentors and mentees find each other and mutually negotiate the parameters of their mentoring relationship. Mentees usually choose mentors who they view as role models, who have similar professional interests, or share some common personal characteristics. Informal relationships are not monitored by the organization and have no informational or training requirements. Meetings are usually casual or semi-structured. Partnerships continue for the length of time both partners desire to be in the relationship. Rewards for participating as mentors are intrinsic, meaning there is high mutual personal investment in the mentee’s development (Ragins, Cotton, & Miller, 2000).
Formal ~~ Usually, formal mentor/mentee relationships are arranged by the organization for new or newly-promoted employees, and are intended to meet organizational orientation and training needs. The partners involved have often not met before being assigned to each other. Formal relationships are usually arranged for a pre-determined amount of time, often six months to one year. The participants are often monitored by the organization, which may require mentors to cover specific orientation information and on-the-job trainings. Rewards for participating as mentors are usually extrinsic involving stipends or other compensation, meaning that there may be less personal investment in the mentee’s professional development (Ragins, Cotton, & Miller, 2000).
