Fundamental Dimensions and Essential Elements of Exemplary Local Extension Units

Abstract

Collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local government agencies enable local Extension units to deliver a high level of educational opportunities to local citizens. These units represent land-grant institutions by delivering non-formal education that aim to address local, regional, and state concerns. The purpose of this study was to establish consensus that defines the characteristics of an exemplary local Extension unit of the Cooperative Extension Service. This effort is significant because the extent to which these Extension partners have agreed on the components of successful Extension units has never been clearly defined and was unknown. Determining the characteristics of an exemplary local Extension unit will facilitate consistency in the delivery of non-formal education through Extension. Using a modified Delphi technique to survey administrators responsible for the operation of the local Extension unit, this study identified six fundamental dimensions of an exemplary local Extension unit: adequate facilities and infrastructure, well-prepared Extension educators, well-developed educational programs, organizational accountability, effective county unit leadership, and adequate financial capacity. Within these six fundamental dimensions, the study further identified 77 essential elements of exemplary local Extension units. Results of this study will provide the foundation for the development of standards to guide the improvement of local Extension offices.

Extension Organizational Strnegths: A Delphi Analysis

“…Dalkey and Helmer's ( 1963) Delphi technique was used to explore the research objectives of this study. The Delphi method is based on a group communication (Terry & Osborne, 2015) and consensus-building process (Ludwig, 1997) that facilitates the research of a "phenomenon that cannot be directly tested or observed" (Costello & Rutherford, 2019, p. 1). Usually beginning with open-ended questions (Terry & Osborne, 2015), the Delphi technique involves a panel of experts who participate in repeated questioning (Dalkey & Helmer, 1963) for the purposes of gathering useful (Costello & Rutherford, 2019, p. 1), agreed-upon information.…”

Building Extension Partnerships with Government to Further Water Conservation Efforts

“…Intention to engage in water conservation efforts may be influenced by the feeling that participation in water conservation practices are optional, but that the public also needs strong government influence to increase conservation (Nolte et al, 2013). Effective extension educators and policymakers should be aware of this cognitive dissonance that can be used to drive participation in water conservation (Terry & Osborne, 2015).…”

“…For example, since Republicans are more inclined to react to increases in negative government perception, the programs should be implemented with appropriate amounts of pressure to encourage conservation from Republicans. Moreover, Extension educators should be aware of policymakers' political affiliation so that when they are working with them they can enhance communication effectiveness (Terry & Osborne, 2015).…”

“…Extension educators have played an important role connecting local needs with research and then providing assessments of established programs (Terry & Osborne, 2015). The role of Extension educators is to provide the public with knowledge based on research, so the public will make informed decisions on local and national issues.…”

Encouraging Engagement in Water Conservation: Can Trust from Extension Create Change?

“…Extensive educational programs are provided by Extension educators and promoted through collaborative efforts made between the local, state, and federal government (Terry & Osborne, 2015). Extension educators strive to provide the public with quality research to assist in developing informed decisions on critical issues at all levels.…”