AN OCCUPATIONAL ANALYSIS COMPARING 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENTS SERVING TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL CLIENTELE

Abstract

In this descriptive study, the occupational duties and tasks of 4-H Youth Development agents were examined using the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) methodology. 4-H agents were selected by Ohio State University Extension System 's (OSUE) administration, representing agents who work with traditional and non-traditional clientele. Each group of agents identified the duties and tasks related to the 4-H programs they conduct. The results indicated that 4-H agents performed similar duties and tasks, regardless of their different foci. Agents who worked with non-traditional clientele spent more time assessing individual members. Moreover, agents who worked with traditional clientele often have a stronger focus on program management. The future of 4-H Youth Development will be dependent on its ability to meet the needs of diverse clientele in the next century. The results of this study have implication both for hiring and for training of 4-H Youth Development agents presently and in the future.