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Journal of Extension

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Breaking The Code: The Creative Use Of Qr Codes To Market Extension Events, Paul Hill, Rebecca Mills, Gaelynn Peterson, Janet Smith Apr 2013

Breaking The Code: The Creative Use Of Qr Codes To Market Extension Events, Paul Hill, Rebecca Mills, Gaelynn Peterson, Janet Smith

Journal of Extension

The use of smartphones has drastically increased in recent years, heralding an explosion in the use of QR codes. The black and white square barcodes that link the physical and digital world are everywhere. These simple codes can provide many opportunities to connect people in the physical world with many of Extension online resources. The challenge is change. Extension faculty must use QR codes so that a savvy public will try something new.

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The Pnw Model: Lessons From Extension's Most Successful Regional Publishing Program, Mark Anderson-Wilk, Dora Rollins, Ariel Ginsburg, Diane Noel Editor Feb 2013

The Pnw Model: Lessons From Extension's Most Successful Regional Publishing Program, Mark Anderson-Wilk, Dora Rollins, Ariel Ginsburg, Diane Noel Editor

Journal of Extension

The Extension services of Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Idaho established Pacific Northwest Extension Publishing (PNW Publishing) in 1946 as a mechanism of regional cooperation and cost savings. Other regions followed suit in the decades that followed. Today, PNW Publishing is the last standing regional publishing cooperative in Extension. This article identifies factors that have contributed to the success of PNW Publishing and offers lessons that can be applied to other multi-state cooperative efforts in today's Extension environment.

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Intergenerational Panels At Centennial Events: Stimulating Discussion About Continuity And Change In The 4-H Program, Matthew S. Kaplan, Ben Weikert, January Scholl, Mya Rushton Feb 2013

Intergenerational Panels At Centennial Events: Stimulating Discussion About Continuity And Change In The 4-H Program, Matthew S. Kaplan, Ben Weikert, January Scholl, Mya Rushton

Journal of Extension

This article introduces an intergenerational strategy for organizations planning centennial celebratory events. The methods and findings from the 4-H through the Generations session conducted at the joint 4-H Leadership Conference and 4-H Leaders Forum to celebrate the Pennsylvania 4-H Centennial are reported. Youth and adult participants shared their views, experiences, and hopes for 4-H via panel presentations and small group discussions. An analysis of themes introduced by the panelists and conference participants suggested that this approach can be effective in raising awareness of past accomplishments and current challenges and in stimulating conversation about future directions for the 4-H organization.

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Extension's Evolving Alignment Of Programs Serving Families And Youth: Organizational Change And Its Implications, Marc T. Braverman, Nancy K. Franz, Roger A. Rennekamp Dec 2012

Extension's Evolving Alignment Of Programs Serving Families And Youth: Organizational Change And Its Implications, Marc T. Braverman, Nancy K. Franz, Roger A. Rennekamp

Journal of Extension

Extension is experiencing a trend toward closer alignment of its programs serving families and youth, notably Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development. Projects are more multidisciplinary and comprehensive than in the past, and, in many states, FCS and 4-HYD are also becoming more administratively integrated. Several reasons for this shift are recent developments in social science intervention theory, Extension budget reductions, and land-grant universities' long-term organizational strategies. We discuss implications for Extension faculty and the need to track and understand the restructuring process. Overall, the emphasis on collaboration and comprehensiveness provide opportunities for more effective Extension programming.

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Moving Forward With Founders: Strategies For Change In Volunteer Organizations, Paula Rgers Huff, Sue Pleskac Dec 2012

Moving Forward With Founders: Strategies For Change In Volunteer Organizations, Paula Rgers Huff, Sue Pleskac

Journal of Extension

Founder's Syndrome can create barriers to change in Extension programs. As a result, Extension staff have experienced challenges in effecting organizational change where Founders are present. 4-H Youth Development staff in Wisconsin applied a variety of strategies to move forward with 4-H programming, despite the influence of the Founders. Staff development has focused on three strategies with regard to Founders: Staff Awareness and Understanding, Training and Support, and Teaching Tools. A comprehensive educational approach that includes multiple strategies is likely to yield the most benefit to Extension staff dealing with Founder's Syndrome in volunteer organizations.

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Serving Clientele With Disabilities: An Assessment Of Texas Fcs Agents' Needs For Implementing Inclusive Programs, Rick L. Peterson, Cheryl Grenwelge, Michael R. Benz, Dalun Zhang, J. Aaron Resch, Geraldo Mireles, Lakshmi Mahadevan Dec 2012

Serving Clientele With Disabilities: An Assessment Of Texas Fcs Agents' Needs For Implementing Inclusive Programs, Rick L. Peterson, Cheryl Grenwelge, Michael R. Benz, Dalun Zhang, J. Aaron Resch, Geraldo Mireles, Lakshmi Mahadevan

Journal of Extension

This article reports on a qualitative study to assess Texas Family Consumer Science (FCS) Extension professionals' experiences working with individuals with disabilities and their perceived skills in promoting and delivering inclusive educational programming for this audience. Study results indicate that overall Extension educators viewed inclusive programming for individuals with disabilities as favorable but also reported a number of barriers to successfully implement inclusive programs. Educators' most pressing needs included: professional development in the area of disability, inclusive educational strategies and support funds for necessary accommodations. Implications for promoting and delivering inclusive educational programming for communities are addressed.

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Using Discussion Methods To Inspire Diversity: Harnessing Social & Cultural Capital, Brian Raison, Beverly Gordon Oct 2012

Using Discussion Methods To Inspire Diversity: Harnessing Social & Cultural Capital, Brian Raison, Beverly Gordon

Journal of Extension

How can you better harness the powerful social capital that exists within diverse individuals, families, businesses, and schools to make positive impacts in your community? What could you add to your next meeting—a Chamber strategic planning session, an employee wellness program, a non-profit board development—to better connect participants with valuable (and sometimes hidden) resources that often go untapped? This article describes a guided-discussion process in which participants (communities, volunteers, clients, students, non-profits, business alliances, etc.) discover strength, richness, and value within their collective narratives. It allows exploration of topics in diversity, social capital and community action.

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Stories And Storytelling In Extension Work, Scott Peters, Nancy K. Franz Aug 2012

Stories And Storytelling In Extension Work, Scott Peters, Nancy K. Franz

Journal of Extension

Deep budget cuts, increased accountability, and the growth of anti-government and anti-intellectual sentiments place Extension systems in a defensive position. In response, we're engaging in organizational change exercises, restructuring, regionalizing, rewriting mission statements, and developing strategic plans. We're spending considerable time counting and measuring our efforts to defend the public impacts and value of our work. In this article we argue that we also need to become better storytellers by learning how to craft and strategically communicate stories that capture important truths about the public value, meaning, and significance of our work.

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Advancing Positive Youth Development: Perspectives Of Youth As Researchers And Evaluators, David J. White, Anna Shoffner, Kendal Johnson, Netti Knowles, Madison Mills Aug 2012

Advancing Positive Youth Development: Perspectives Of Youth As Researchers And Evaluators, David J. White, Anna Shoffner, Kendal Johnson, Netti Knowles, Madison Mills

Journal of Extension

This article describes the journey taken by a group of adolescents into the field and practice of youth-led research. The article gives voice to the growing number of youth participating in research and evaluation. The authors give authentic youth accounts of: (1) the process of becoming researchers and evaluators, (2) the benefits and challenges encountered as researchers and evaluators, (3) the community-based research they conducted, (4) the state and national recognition received as researchers and evaluators, (5) implications for practice and the future of youth-led research, and (6) steps necessary to move the field and study of youth-led research forward.

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Taxonomy For Assessing Evaluation Competencies In Extension, Michelle S. Rodgers, Barbara D. Hillaker, Bruce E. Haas, Cheryl Peters Aug 2012

Taxonomy For Assessing Evaluation Competencies In Extension, Michelle S. Rodgers, Barbara D. Hillaker, Bruce E. Haas, Cheryl Peters

Journal of Extension

Evaluation of public service programming is becoming increasingly important with current funding realities. The taxonomy of evaluation competencies compiled by Ghere et al. (2006) provided the starting place for Taxonomy for Assessing Evaluation Competencies in Extension. The Michigan State University Extension case study described here presents a field-tested and reliable survey to measure evaluation competencies of Extension professionals in three domains (situational analysis, systematic inquiry, and project management) as well as indicates opportunities for professional development training themes to enhance the evaluation competencies of Extension academic professionals.

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The Nature Of Organizational Learning In A State Extension Organization, Mary Simon Leuci Jun 2012

The Nature Of Organizational Learning In A State Extension Organization, Mary Simon Leuci

Journal of Extension

Our complex and rapidly changing world demands a more nimble, responsive, and flexible Extension organization. The findings from a study involving interviews across a state Cooperative Extension Service paint a picture of organizational learning in Extension. Four key dimensions of learning surfaced. Of particular importance are the application of a model for organizational knowledge creation and the characteristics of transformational organizational learning for innovation. Recommendations focus on actively supporting organizational learning, developing ways to tap the vast knowledge and skills of Extension professionals, and institutionalizing means to transfer learning.

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Tea Time: Raising Awareness And Support For Extension, Nancy K. Franz, Chris Fahey Jun 2012

Tea Time: Raising Awareness And Support For Extension, Nancy K. Franz, Chris Fahey

Journal of Extension

In a time of reliance on electronic media for information, chaotic programming environments, and declining public resources, Extension workers need to find unique ways to connect with stakeholders to maintain and increase support for programming. To address this need, we developed, conducted, and evaluated a series of stakeholder teas. We found this method of communicating with stakeholders builds social, political, and fiscal support for Extension programming.

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Extension's Future: Time For Disruptive Innovation, Nancy K. Franz, Ronald A. Cox Apr 2012

Extension's Future: Time For Disruptive Innovation, Nancy K. Franz, Ronald A. Cox

Journal of Extension

Extension has been considered change averse by some scholars and practitioners, and they claim this inhibits organizational growth and relevance. Pockets of individuals and teams across the nation have worked independently as entrepreneurs to enhance Extension's relevance by introducing organizational processes and programs that greatly differ from past practices. However, every Extension system, team, and worker has a role to play in the disruptive innovation process. This may include exploring, implementing, or evaluating disruptive organizational innovations, or removing barriers, resourcing, or supporting a culture of innovation to enhance relevance and sustainability.

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Identifying The Factors Influencing Professional Volunteer Leadership In The National Association Of Extension 4-H Agents, Alexa Lamm, Debbie Nistler, Nicole Stedman Apr 2012

Identifying The Factors Influencing Professional Volunteer Leadership In The National Association Of Extension 4-H Agents, Alexa Lamm, Debbie Nistler, Nicole Stedman

Journal of Extension

Many Extension professional associations have had trouble getting members to participate in national leadership opportunities. The study reported here examined the perception of members of a national Extension professional organization (NAE4-HA) regarding specific leadership actions. It found the single act of taking on a leadership position alters individuals' perceptions of leadership, directly driving their desires to be involved or not. Creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness with the general membership can greatly improve the quality of the leadership experiences these individuals have, reinforcing their desire to affiliate and identify with being part of an association at the national level.

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The Impact Of The Government Performance And Results Act (Gpra) On Two State Cooperative Extension Systems, Sarah Baughman, Heather H. Boyd, Kathleen D. Kelsey Feb 2012

The Impact Of The Government Performance And Results Act (Gpra) On Two State Cooperative Extension Systems, Sarah Baughman, Heather H. Boyd, Kathleen D. Kelsey

Journal of Extension

The research reported here examined the impact of the Government Performance and Results Act on accountability and evaluation activities in two state Cooperative Extension Systems. Accountability was examined using five dimensions from Koppell's (2005) framework. Findings indicated both Extension systems transferred accountability activities to county-level educators through increased reporting expectations. There was not a strong connection between GPRA and changes in program evaluation practice or understanding in either state. Clear definitions of accountability within Extension and close examination of the role of evaluation may enhance accountability efforts and result in not only using evaluation for accountability but also for organizational …

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Keys To Successful Programming: Incentives In Multi-Institutional Partnerships, James Pritchett, Joan Fulton, Susan Hine Feb 2012

Keys To Successful Programming: Incentives In Multi-Institutional Partnerships, James Pritchett, Joan Fulton, Susan Hine

Journal of Extension

Collaborative partnerships are an important mechanism for meeting client needs in an era of declining resources. Partnerships work best when their areas of concern, goals, and objectives overlap. Yet overlapping goals do not guarantee successful outcomes; rather, aligning incentives is necessary to motivate partners to invest. This article reviews incentive types and discusses the incentives that motivate Extension, government agencies, and private entities. Examples of successful partnerships are provided, and practical steps for achieving successful partnerships are discussed.

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The Effects Of The Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program On Targeted Life Skills, Kevin Allen, R Dwayne Elmore Feb 2012

The Effects Of The Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program On Targeted Life Skills, Kevin Allen, R Dwayne Elmore

Journal of Extension

Does participation in the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) help develop life skills? 4-H members and coaches who participated in the National WHEP Contest between the years 2003 - 2005 and 2007 - 2009 were asked to complete an evaluation at the end of each contest. A portion of the evaluation asked participants and coaches to determine if six specific life skills (teamwork, oral communication, written communication, social skills, decision making, and leadership) were enhanced as a result of participation in the WHEP. Results suggest that participation in the WHEP has a positive influence on the development of these life …

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Multi-Level Partnerships Support A Comprehensive Faith-Based Health Promotion Program, Annie Hardison-Moody, Carolyn Dunn, David Hall, Lorelei Jones, Jimmy Newkirk, Cathy Thomas Dec 2011

Multi-Level Partnerships Support A Comprehensive Faith-Based Health Promotion Program, Annie Hardison-Moody, Carolyn Dunn, David Hall, Lorelei Jones, Jimmy Newkirk, Cathy Thomas

Journal of Extension

This article examines the role of multi-level partnerships in implementing Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More, a faith-based health promotion program that works with low-resource faith communities in North Carolina. This program incorporates a nine-lesson individual behavior change program in concert with policy and environmental change. We offer an overview of the program, an evaluation of its effects on individual behavior changes and policy, and environment and practice changes and provide suggestions on lessons learned for Extension professionals who wish to partner with faith communities to promote nutrition and physical activity.

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Leveraging New Media In The Scholarship Of Engagement: Opportunities And Incentives, Chris Labelle, Mark Anderson-Wilk, Robert Emanuel Dec 2011

Leveraging New Media In The Scholarship Of Engagement: Opportunities And Incentives, Chris Labelle, Mark Anderson-Wilk, Robert Emanuel

Journal of Extension

This article looks at how Extension faculty and administrators perceive digital scholarship in relation to their institutions' reward systems. Our survey data suggest that even when land-grant institutions have policies in place to reward alternative or new forms of scholarship, these policies are often unclear or inaccessible, are not reflected in job descriptions, and do not provide enough detail to ensure consensus among colleagues. Clear policies that reward digital scholarship and recognize the prominent role of technology in university-wide engagement efforts have become increasingly crucial because of budgetary constraints and the changing behaviors and preferences of Extension clients.

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A Snapshot Of Organizational Climate: Perceptions Of Extension Faculty, Leslie E. Tower, Elaine Bowen, Mohamad G. Alkadry Oct 2011

A Snapshot Of Organizational Climate: Perceptions Of Extension Faculty, Leslie E. Tower, Elaine Bowen, Mohamad G. Alkadry

Journal of Extension

This article provides a snapshot of the perceptions of workplace climate of Extension faculty at a land-grant, research-high activity university, compared with the perceptions of non-Extension faculty at the same university. An online survey was conducted with a validated instrument. The response rate for university faculty was 44% (968); the response rate for Extension was 77% (126). Perceptions of the workplace climate were in the high-to-moderate range. Extension faculty appeared to view campus climate more favorably than traditional faculty. This article calls attention to the benefits of assessing an organization's climate.

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Necessary Pre-Entry Competencies As Perceived By Florida Extension Agents, Matt Benge, Amy Harder, Hannah Carter Oct 2011

Necessary Pre-Entry Competencies As Perceived By Florida Extension Agents, Matt Benge, Amy Harder, Hannah Carter

Journal of Extension

It is important to focus attention on the pre-entry competencies of new organization members and to identify the competencies needed by Extension agents to determine adequate education curricula and training, and to improve retention. Current professional development models disregard the competencies needed by agents entering Extension. This article describes Florida Extension agents' perceptions of necessary pre-entry competencies. The most necessary competencies reported by respondents were: self-management, program development process, communication skills, interpersonal skills, technical/subject matter expertise, and teaching skills. UF/IFAS Extension administrators and personnel should build upon the competencies new Extension agents possess when entering Extension.

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Action Learning—An Experiential Tool For Solving Organizational Issues, Sharon B. Kinsey Aug 2011

Action Learning—An Experiential Tool For Solving Organizational Issues, Sharon B. Kinsey

Journal of Extension

Action Learning can be effectively used in both large and small businesses and organizations by employees, stakeholders, or volunteers through this "learning by doing" approach to evaluate an issue or issues of importance to the organization. First developed in the 1940s, Action Learning has increasingly been used as a method to explore questions that often go unanswered in day-to-day organizational life through the use of reflective listening and insightful questioning.

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Best Management Practices For A Successful Transition Into An Administrative Role, Derek Godwin, Keith G. Diem, Deborah J. Maddy Aug 2011

Best Management Practices For A Successful Transition Into An Administrative Role, Derek Godwin, Keith G. Diem, Deborah J. Maddy

Journal of Extension

Many successful county Extension educators aspire to "higher" positions in administration, such as a county director, regional director, etc. However, such administrative roles likely have more complex duties related to managing people and teams than faculty have experienced in their program assignment. This article provides essential management concepts and techniques to help faculty gain perspective and build a foundation for success in transitioning to an administrative assignment. Best management practices are shared that can significantly improve administrators' leadership skills and the likelihood of success in managing faculty and staff to maintain a productive, positive, and supportive office environment.

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Psychosocial Impact Of Training And Work Experience On Efnep Paraprofessionals, Judy Hibbs, Lorilee Sandmann Jun 2011

Psychosocial Impact Of Training And Work Experience On Efnep Paraprofessionals, Judy Hibbs, Lorilee Sandmann

Journal of Extension

Although considerable data has been gathered documenting impact of local EFNEP programs on enrolled participants, little documentation exists concerning the effect of EFNEP on paraprofessionals conducting these programs. The qualitative study reported here identifies types of psychosocial change in paraprofessionals resulting from EFNEP training and work experience. Identified areas of change include skill development, community status, relationships with family/community, ways of viewing others, increased caring for others, and increased self-esteem. Factors contributing to change include paraprofessionals' indigenous status, personal identification with work, training, support, and work experiences. These findings have implications for the hiring, training, and support of paraprofessionals.

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The Evaluation Attitudes And Practices Of 4-H Educators, Kristi S. Lekies, Amanda M. Bennett Feb 2011

The Evaluation Attitudes And Practices Of 4-H Educators, Kristi S. Lekies, Amanda M. Bennett

Journal of Extension

Extension educators are expected to conduct program evaluation. An Internet survey was sent to county 4-H educators in Ohio to examine their evaluation attitudes and practices, as well as barriers to conducting evaluation. Respondents indicated a range of attitudes about evaluation and limited use of different designs and methods. Having enough time was the greatest perceived barrier. Educators are encouraged to use a diversity of designs and methodologies and to cover a range of topics. Capacity building efforts should include clarity of expectations; opportunities for educators with different needs, interests, and prior experiences; and addressing barriers to evaluation.

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The New Digital [St]Age: Barriers To The Adoption And Adaptation Of New Technologies To Deliver Extension Programming And How To Address Them, Jamie Seger Feb 2011

The New Digital [St]Age: Barriers To The Adoption And Adaptation Of New Technologies To Deliver Extension Programming And How To Address Them, Jamie Seger

Journal of Extension

With the rise of social media and the need for statewide program cohesiveness, The Ohio State University Extension has the opportunity to position itself as a catalyst for technology adoption and adaptation nationwide. Unfortunately, many barriers exist to the successful use and implementation of technology, including an organizational structure that does not cater to the short turn-around new technologies demand and ideological generational divides among all who are affected by the organization. In order to allow new technologies to positively affect Extension programming, we must first break through such barriers with a powerful combination of enlightened knowledge and hands-on training.

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Extension's Progress In The Paperless Revolution: Balancing Digital And Paper, Lacie Ashby Feb 2011

Extension's Progress In The Paperless Revolution: Balancing Digital And Paper, Lacie Ashby

Journal of Extension

This article examines the theory of a paperless workplace and its possible implementation in Extension, based on the advantages and disadvantages involved. Despite decades of discussion, many organizations, including Extension, have still failed to fully implement a paperless system. Paper is an integral part of our work; however, with budgetary cutbacks and the "going green" move, we need to reevaluate our dependency on hard copy documents. Consider the benefits of a paperless workplace and impacts of implementation for Extension and the community we serve.

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Quiet Leadership: How To Create Positive Change Without The Noise And Negativity, Sharon B. Kinsey Oct 2010

Quiet Leadership: How To Create Positive Change Without The Noise And Negativity, Sharon B. Kinsey

Journal of Extension

Quiet leadership is a leadership approach useful in dealing with organizational change, according to Joseph L. Badaracco, Jr., author of Leading Quietly: An Unorthodox Guide to Doing the Right Thing. It relies on the three main virtues of tenacity, modesty, and restraint, as well as rests upon six tenets that define one's actions in dealing with organizational issues. Enacting change through small practical efforts is the hallmark of quiet leadership. Adding this tool to one's leadership arsenal will allow for a more complete approach to solving organizational issues and leading change from a positive place.

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Creating The Capacity For Organizational Change: Personnel Participation And Receptivity To Change, Keith L. Smith, Cynthia B. Torppa Aug 2010

Creating The Capacity For Organizational Change: Personnel Participation And Receptivity To Change, Keith L. Smith, Cynthia B. Torppa

Journal of Extension

In a climate of continuous change, Extension organizations must find ways to navigate immediate challenges while developing capacity to thrive as future challenges and opportunities arise. To find ways, personnel's participation in planning was encouraged to increase openness to change as OSU Extension created and implemented its new Strategic Plan. Findings indicate that personnel from all levels of the organization who participated in the planning process were more receptive and less pessimistic about the plan and more motivated to make the plan a success. These findings suggest participation may help personnel cope with current changes as well as build capacity …

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Looking At Extension As A Learning Organization, Ellen Rowe Aug 2010

Looking At Extension As A Learning Organization, Ellen Rowe

Journal of Extension

This article shares an understanding of how Extension at a major university serves as a Learning Organization and its capacity to address change. The study examined how to assess the capacity of staff members to promote organizational learning. The researcher administered a 43-item survey instrument, the Dimension of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), designed by Watkins and Marsick (1997) to Extension employees. As a strategic planning tool, the survey identifies organizational learning strengths and challenges at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

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