Identifying support functions in developmental relationships: A self-determination perspective

This study examines the content of developmental networks from the perspective of self-determination theory. We qualitatively examine 18 protégés' constellations of developmental relationships to identify specific types of developmental support functions. Our study shows that the adoption of self-determination theory leads to a theory-based classification of support functions. The results show the manner in which developmental relationships meet protégés' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Protégés identified the importance of their developer's need-supportive functions to their success, including creating freedom, encouraging self-initiation (autonomy), emulating effective behaviors, confirming and praising (competence), and intimacy and self-disclosure (relatedness). Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are presented.

► We describe a qualitative inquiry of developmental networks.
► We examine developmental support functions applying Self-Determination Theory.
► Developers fulfill protégés' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
► We present a self-determination framework of developmental support functions.