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ETD Abstract Container

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Attitudes of county extension agents toward agent specialization in Ohio

Huerta, Jose M
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1202155098

Abstract Details

1993, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering.
The purpose of the study was to determine the attitudes of county Extension agents toward agent specialization in Ohio. Furthermore, this study sought to determine the extent to which attitudes toward agent specialization were associated with major personal and organizational characteristics. Independent variables included: 1) personal characteristics, 2) organizational characteristics, and 3) training needs. The dependent variable was attitudes toward agent specialization. Data for the study were gathered in January, 1993, by a mailed instrument which was divided in four parts. The population consisted of all Ohio State University Extension county agents (N=285), Descriptive statistics were used first to summarize and organize the data. (T test and anova were performed to test for groups significant differences). Correlation statistics was also used to test if attitudes toward agent specialization were associated with the independent variables. Findings and conclusions were based on a data sample of 261 agents (91.6% response rate). Overall, attitude of county Extension agents toward age specialization was moderately high. Agents liked the following about agent specialization: 1) specializing in a area of interest, 2) getting more recognition and 3) access to more specialized training. The problems with agent specialization were: 1) time consuming, 2.) lack of local support and 3.) need for more generalization. Suggestions for agent specialization were: 1) more guidelines and support, 2) more coordination and 3) more flexibility. Training needs identified included balancing agent specialization with other program responsibilities, making content meaningful and acquiring in-depth subject matter skills. The training preferences of county Extension agents were: state-wide conference, district conference and formal classes. There were no correlation between independent variables and dependent variable. The findings support the need for additional research to investigate agent specialization as Extension explores new staffing patterns and new specialization areas.
Keith Smith (Advisor)
194 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Huerta, J. M. (1993). Attitudes of county extension agents toward agent specialization in Ohio [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1202155098

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Huerta, Jose. Attitudes of county extension agents toward agent specialization in Ohio. 1993. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1202155098.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Huerta, Jose. "Attitudes of county extension agents toward agent specialization in Ohio." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 1993. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1202155098

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1202155098
539
© 1993, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.