Identifier

etd-10272005-155654

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Human Resource Education and Workforce Development

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program have increased their leadership skills and become more involved in agricultural and community issues. The target population for this study was the 252 graduates of Classes I - VIII of the LSU Ag Leadership Program. This was a descriptive study using quantitative data. The questionnaire was developed from a review of the literature and instruments from related research. It was validated by a panel of experts from the LSU School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development and the LSU AgCenter. The field test was conducted with graduates from the Arkansas Rural Leadership Development Program, Texas Agriculture Leadership Development Program, and members of the 2004-2006 Ag Leadership class. The study investigated research questions relating to the personal and demographic characteristics of the participants; their satisfaction with the program; whether it met their needs; their perceptions of the program’s impact on their: understanding of issues facing agriculture and Louisiana; becoming involved in agriculture and non-agriculture issues; relationships with others; self-concept; and development of leadership competencies. Participants were also asked to list key leadership positions they have held since participating in the program and give suggestions for topics to be added to the curriculum. Conclusions drawn were limited to respondents to the written questionnaire. Respondents strongly agreed they were satisfied with the Ag Leadership program. It met their needs, helped them improve their self-concept, and positively impacted their relationships with others. The Ag Leadership program also had a positive impact on the development of respondents’ leadership competencies. The Ag Leadership program had a positive impact on respondents’ ability to understand systems and forces affecting agriculture in the United States and issues facing Louisiana. It had a positive impact on respondents’ influence on and involvement in agriculture and non-agriculture issues. Respondents’ suggestions of topics to be added to the program were in the areas of leadership development; the business of farming; production agriculture; environmental, political, and public policy issues; marketing and trade; agriculture and public opinion; family; community; and seminars.

Date

2005

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Joe W. Kotrlik

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.125

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