THE IMPACT OF MENTOR RELATIONSHIP AND SUPERVISOR SUPPORTIVE FEEDBACK ON THE WORKING POOR: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy

The working poor are unique among employee groups due to proximity to poverty, both past and present. This proximity creates distinct perspectives, in addition to the noted barriers faced in their personal lives, which impact their behavior and success at work. Here we examine the impact of mentor relationship and supervisor supportive feedback on the working poor’s job performance. This chapter argues that mentoring and supervisor supportive feedback will positively impact their self-efficacy and job performance. In addition, the presence of self-efficacy among the working poor positively moderates the relationship between mentoring, supervisor supportive feedback, and job performance. Despite the ongoing conversation surrounding this demographic, there is a lack of research on the challenges of the working poor within organizations. We hope this research will encourage further study in the area of working poor and organizations.