Table 3.

Factor loadings and Cronbach’s alpha scores for the 24-item Mentoring Competency Assessment

No.	Item	Factor loading	Cronbach’s alpha
Component 1: Aligning expectations
7	Setting clear relationship expectations	0.86	0.81
8	Aligning expectations	0.88
13	Estimating mentee ability	0.47
14	Enhancing mentee skills	0.62
Component 2: Promoting professional development
22	Helping network effectively	0.81	0.82
23	Setting career goals	0.84
24	Helping establish a work/life balance	0.67
26	Helping mentees acquire resources	0.61
Component 3: Maintaining effective communication
1	Active listening	0.69	0.80
2	Providing Constructive feedback	0.75
3	Developing a trusting relationship	0.70
4	Accommodating communication style	0.67
Component 4: Assessing understanding
10	Setting research goals	0.84	0.79
11	Developing strategies to meet goals	0.82
12	Assessing mentee knowledge	0.62
Component 5: Mentee self-efficacy (new competency)
15	Motivating mentees	1.00	0.86
16	Building confidence	0.76
Component 6: Addressing diversity
9	Considering differences may impact expectations	0.65	0.77
20	Accounting for biases and prejudices	0.79
21	Accounting for different backgrounds of mentors and mentees	0.75
Component 7: Fostering independence
17	Simulating creativity	0.74	0.79
18	Acknowledging mentees’ professional contributions	0.76
19	Negotiating path to independence	0.75
Component 8: Navigating mentoring networks (new competency)
6	Coordinating with other mentors	NA	NA