This research examined the role of mentor commitment relative to protege perceptions of relationship quality within formal mentoring programs. Based on a matched sample of 91 mentors and proteges, the results indicated that mentor commitment related positively to protege reports of relationship quality. This relationship was stronger for male proteges than for female proteges. The results indicated that proteges reported higher quality relationships when mentors underestimated their commitment to the relationship relative to the proteges estimate of mentor commitment. Suggestions for future research are offered.