Perceptions, Responses, And Knowledge About Diveristy Held By Extension Administrators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of diversity and response towards diversity by The Ohio State University Extension administrators. Results indicated that the Extension organization had reached the level at which people were actively acknowledging diversity as an issue. The most critical diversity issues facing Extension were confusion about how to communicate and serve clientele from other backgrounds, understanding how to use the different strengths of individuals, lack of clear vision of what a multicultural organization could achieve, and recruitment programs that failed to attract diverse applicants. The administrators scored an average of 65% on a research or fact based multiple-choice test which measured knowledge about diversity. The Extension administrators were neither pessimistic or optimistic regarding the organization's progress toward providing equal opportunity to all employees.