Research on formal mentoring programs indicates that:

A) They are just as beneficial as informal mentoring.
B) They are more beneficial than informal mentoring.
C) They are not nearly as beneficial as informal mentoring.
D) They are most beneficial for women.
E) They rarely, if ever, result in beneficial outcomes.

Research indicates that the outcomes of formal and informal mentoring relationships can vary. Some studies suggest that formal mentoring programs can be as beneficial as informal mentoring, while others highlight the unique benefits of informal mentoring. Factors such as gender and race/ethnicity can also influence the effectiveness of mentoring programs.

Explanation:

Research on formal mentoring programs indicates that the outcomes of formal and informal mentoring relationships may vary depending on the context and the individuals involved. While some studies suggest that formal mentoring programs can be just as beneficial as informal mentoring in terms of career success and job satisfaction (Ragins & Cotton, 1999; Eby et al., 2008), others find that informal mentoring can provide unique benefits such as creating connections to informal networks and reducing feelings of isolation (McKeen & Bujaki, 2007). It is important to note that the effectiveness of mentoring programs can also be influenced by factors such as the gender and race/ethnicity of the mentor and mentee pair (Eby et al., 2006; Parks-Yancy, 2012).