Title: Formal mentoring: a human resource management practice that supports knowledge transfer across projects

Authors: Rafael E. Landaeta, Timothy G. Kotnour

Addresses: Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, 241 Kaufman Hall, Norfolk, VA 23462, USA. ' College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816, USA

Abstract: This investigation focuses on understanding the extent to which the Human Resource Management (HRM) practice of formal mentoring performed across projects influences the body of knowledge of the project mentors and is influenced by the nature of the project mentors. Data from 46 projects was used to test three hypotheses. The results suggest that formal mentoring delivered across projects enhances the body of knowledge of the project mentor and is dependent on the individual and team characteristics of the project mentor. These results can be used as a foundation for further research and development on the application of HRM practices to transfer knowledge across projects.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; formal mentoring; human resource management; HRM; project-based organisations; organisational learning; knowledge management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2008.021022

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2008 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.455 - 475

Published online: 31 Oct 2008 *

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