Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1991

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Economics

Major Professor

Jacquelyn McInnis

Committee Members

Randol Waters, Anna Mae Kobbe

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to gather information about the current status of the image of the extension home economist as perceived by professionals employed in the Agricultural Extension Service in Tennessee. The components of desired image traits that were investigated were: 1) autonomous decision making, 2) commitment to public responsibility, and 3) professional status and freedom for advancement of the extension home economists within the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. Information obtained from this study can be used to give direction to improve the overall image of the extension home economists.

Data were obtained using a mailed survey from 166 Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service professionals employed in May 1991. The three groups comprising the sample were agricultural agents, home economists, specialists and administrators. The analysis of variance F test and the Duncan's Multiple Range test were used to determine the differences between the perceptions of the three groups and the strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables.

The findings of the study indicate that the perceptions of the autonomy of home economists were positive by all groups and there were no differences between the groups. The home economists perceived their own status to be significantly lower than the agricultural agents and the specialists/administrators perceived the status of home economists. Home economists agreed, at a significantly higher level than did agricultural agents and specialists/administrators, that home economists base their programs on clientele needs over personal interests, that home economists are willing to spend time outside the regular work day in order to complete programs, and that the work of home economists is more demanding than other extension positions. There was no differences between agreement of the three groups as to the home economist's family priorities in relation to job responsibilities. The three groups differed in their perceptions of the importance of using surveys to plan programs. Specialists/administrators felt that using surveys is more valuable than did the home economists and agricultural agents.

Statistically significant relationships were also found between the length of employment and educational level and the perceptions of commitment of home economists. The professionals employed between 10 and 15 years and those with Bachelor's degrees felt that home economists would spend more than an eight hour day performing their duties if needed. Those professionals with education beyond the Master's level believe that using a survey to assess clientele needs is worthwhile.

The issue of changing the name from Agricultural Extension Service to Cooperative Extension Service was also investigated. Home economists and specialist/administrators were positive in their perceptions of the name change making a difference in the image of the home economists, whereas the agricultural agents were not in agreement.

The most frequently listed suggestions made by respondents to enhance the image of home economists were adopting a marketing and visibility program, changes in clientele, more support and leadership from supervisors and administrators, improving subject matter specialists, and the need for current research-based materials.

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