FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATION LEADERSHIP PROFICIENCY OF SOUTHERN REGION 4-H COUNTY FACULTY

Abstract

Volunteer administration leadership is an important component of any successful 4-H program. Proficiency in competencies associated with volunteer administration can prove to be one’s greatest asset in his/her ability to successfully develop the leadership of youth. With that, leadership style is also an important consideration because it provides a means for working with individuals and reaching programmatic goals. The purpose of this research was to determine factors which contribute to volunteer administration leadership proficiency of 4-H county faculty in the southern region. In order to do this, demographics and correlations among identified independent variables were analyzed. The primary intent was to develop a prediction equation for perceived proficiency in VAL competence. Although seven variables correlated with perceived proficiency in VAL competence, organizational culture (importance) and age were responsible for 43% of the variation in the model. These factors can guide efforts related to volunteer programming, including professional development opportunities for 4-H county faculty in the southern region. A focused curriculum addressing organizational culture and a mentoring program for faculty has the potential to increase VAL proficiency.