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Global Experiences and Perceived Leadership Skills in Extension: An Instrumental Case Study

Kimberly J Clark, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

This instrumental case study explored how perceived leadership skills developed from global experiences are used to develop and deliver Nebraska Extension programs. The purpose of this research was to further understand this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to answer the research question, “How are perceived leadership skills developed during global experiences incorporated into Extension program planning and implementation?” Data were collected through multiple sources including reflection journals, focus groups, Nebraska Extension documents, and University of Nebraska documents to better understand how the University supports global experiences, what perceived leadership skills are developed from global experiences, and how perceived leadership skills are used to develop and deliver Extension programs. This research revealed that Nebraska Extension Educators and Specialists use perceived leadership skills developed from global experiences to build relationships and adapt Extension programs to meet the needs of clientele. Relationships with Extension clientele are built through communication by being inclusive, intentional, and global. Determining when to serve as a teacher and when to serve as a facilitator is a key component of adaptation, a second theme of this research, of Extension programming. Extension faculty adapt programs to better serve clientele and meet their needs. The conclusions indicate the importance of global experiences in Extension. Furthermore, perceived skills developed from these experiences are transferred by Extension faculty into programming. The University’s intention of fostering an environment where “every person and every interaction matters,” is supported by Extension faculty who incorporate perceived leadership skills into Extension programming. Global experiences by all Extension faculty may benefit the overall success of Extension, the clientele Extension serves, and the University.

Subject Area

Educational leadership|Social research|Management

Recommended Citation

Clark, Kimberly J, "Global Experiences and Perceived Leadership Skills in Extension: An Instrumental Case Study" (2023). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI30574624.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI30574624

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