Cocoa farmers’ perceptions of relationship between transfer of technology skills, human resource development skills and extension agents’ work performance in peninsular Malaysia
The aim of this study to identify the relationship between extension agent’s (EA) skill of transfer of technology (ToT) and human resource development (HRD) to the work performance (WP) that significantly contributed to the low productivity of cocoa bean from the Malaysian cocoa smallholders. The...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/104548/1/FP%202022%202%20IR.pdf |
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| Summary: | The aim of this study to identify the relationship between extension agent’s (EA) skill
of transfer of technology (ToT) and human resource development (HRD) to the work
performance (WP) that significantly contributed to the low productivity of cocoa bean
from the Malaysian cocoa smallholders. The contribution of extension agents skills are
considered crucial in transferring technology to the farmers. The study identify skill
level of extension agents’ on ToT and HRD and WP to productive cocoa farmers
(PCFs) in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s also determined the relationship between extension
agents’ skills and work performance and identifies the most important factor
contributed to work performance. The study employed stratified random sampling
technique. A total of 353 PCFs were sampled to evaluate the skills of the extension
agents’ through the use of structured questionnaires to elicit response from the farmers.
The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis.
The skill levels of cocoa extension agents’ in Peninsular Malaysia in ToT and HRD
have a high skill level. Based on high level skill in ToT and HRD, work performance
was evaluated at high level also. Significant correlation (p<0.01) existed between
competencies (ToT and HRD) and extension agents’ performance. Multiple regression
analysis results showed that technical skills (p=0.030), leadership skills (p=0.005),
decision making support skills (p=0.048) and social skills (p=0.000) are positive and
significant (p<0.05) determinants, while technology delivery skills (p=0.424) and
technology evaluation skills (p=0.063) do not contribute significantly towards
extension agents’ performance. The result shows the social skills attributed the bigger
Beta value (.266) and the most contribution to extension agents’ work performance.
Technical skills, leadership skills, decision making support skills and social skills are
four significance values from the competencies component interpreted the 63.0 percent
(Adj. R2 value) contributing to the extension agents’ work performance. There is
therefore needs to create future development plan to increase competency level of the
extension agents’, particularly in the area of transfer of technology skills. Function of ToT and HRD reflected work performance achievement to increase the smallholder
potential and be able to empower them to increase cocoa production. |
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