Defining Competency and Reviewing Factors That May Impact Knowledge, Perceived Importance and Use of Competencies In The 4-H Professional's Job

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Date

2003-03-02

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Abstract

The focus of this study was to identify and describe competencies and how they impact knowledge, importance and use in the 4-H professional's job. Relationships of socio-demographic factors (age, education, gender, ethnic background) and organizational factors; program resources, tenure, discipline and staff size were examined. Data for this study were obtained by surveying 4-H extension professionals using a structured questionnaire. The 4-H professionals serve as staff working for North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Seventy-nine percent of the instruments were returned. Seven null hypotheses were tested and included: 1) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by age; 2) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by gender; 3) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by education; 4) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by ethnic background; 5) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by years of experience; 6) the level of knowledge, importance and use of competencies do not differ by job responsibilities; and 7) the level of knowledge, importance and use do not differ by total staff size. Data were collected from 69 respondents, which revealed that 6 of 7 hypotheses were not rejected. Ethnic background did influence knowledge, importance and use of competencies, however less than nine percent of the respondents were non-white. Based on the study findings, 4-H competencies are important to the 4-H profession and emphasized in the 4-H professional's role. The competencies also must be an integral part of personal development as a 4-H professional.

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Keywords

race, sex, competency, knowledge, agent, professional, review, ethnic

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Degree

PhD

Discipline

Adult and Community College Education

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