Advisor conceptions of roles and functions in the context of market-oriented extension: A comparison of Australian and New Zealand advisors

TURNER, JAMES; LANDINI, FERNANDO; PERCY, HELEN

Acireale

Seminario; 24th European Seminar on Extension (and) Education; 2019

CREA - Centro di ricerca Olivicoltura, Frutticoltura e Agrumicoltura (OFA).

Purpose: To assess if advisors? conceptions of their roles in an established privatised extension system match the goals of privatised extension, and differ systematically with the conceptions of roles and functions of advisors in an emerging privatised system.Methodology: We surveyed advisor conceptions, beliefs and assumptions regarding their roles. The survey included: (1) degree of agreement with five topics (e.g., dialogue and horizontal coordination, diffusion of technologies); and (2) questions on: (i) levels of action (e.g., individual, group); and (ii) fundamental objectives (productivity, commercial strengthening, wellbeing). The survey was sent to over 600 advisors in New Zealand and Australia. Data from 57 respondents was analysed for statistical differences.Findings: Australian and New Zealand respondents agree that extension is an interactive and farmer-led process, and identify strongly with advisors as a professional that helps improve farmers? productive or organisational practices. Advisors from both countries prioritise management of natural resources, however, Australian advisors place less priority on building farmer business capacity.Implications: Respondents identified the provision of a public good as the top objective of extension. This is counter to previous observations that privatised extension can result in gaps in advice on topics such as environmental sustainability. Our findings may be related to increasing requirements for compliance with environmental regulations, and suggests this could stimulate advisor prioritisation of this topic.Originality/Value: When addressing privatised extension, researchers have taken a predominantly institutional view. There is less research on the view of advisors themselves, particularly regarding how they understand their role.