| While the phenomenon of entrepreneurialism has existed in some form throughout recorded history, it has more recently gained particular attention as a subject of academic study and practitioner awareness. Early theory and extant research offer diverse and sometimes contradictory perspectives on entrepreneurial intentions, behaviors and outcomes. At the same time the realization that small businesses constitute 90% of total firms in the United States, that startup companies account for the majority of net new job creation and that these same firms have an extraordinarily high failure rate reveal the urgent need to better understand the environmental, behavioral and other factors that enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes in entrepreneurial ventures. Like entrepreneurialism, mentorship in some form has long existed as a commonly accepted practice for imparting vital knowledge and skills. Recent theory suggests that aspiring entrepreneurs benefit from a mentoring experience. However, it is also suggested that the value of mentoring varies based on certain conditions including the leadership style of the mentor and the strength of the relationship as potentially influenced by similarities between the mentor and the entrepreneur/protege. This study set out to answer calls for additional research into the field of entrepreneurialism and, more specifically, entrepreneurial mentoring. The study explored the relationship between mentoring and entrepreneurial outcomes, as well as the influence of similarity factors on the entrepreneurial mentoring process. The research demonstrated the linkages between traits associated with entrepreneurial proclivity and perceived value of mentoring. Likewise the research showed the beneficial aspects of mentoring on entrepreneurial outcomes of psychosocial resilience, entrepreneurial commitment and satisfaction. Finally the study revealed the influence of homophily on perceived value in mentoring relationships but failed to demonstrate that homophily acts as a moderator between mentoring relationships and certain entrepreneurial outcomes. |
