Faculty Commitment to University Extension Education－Toward a Theoretical Construct

Author: Jane Du(Department of Science and Technology, National Pingtung University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 47, No. 2
Date：October 2002
Pages：143-158
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2002104702002

Abstract：

The concept of commitment has been studied in many social contexts. However, only limited research has been done to test the concept of commitment as it relates to adult education and university extension. In this study, in-depth interviews with college and university faculty members have been undertaken in order to profile their experiences and beliefs regarding extension education. Our findings reveal that faculty must deal with role conflicts, peer pressure, challenges and difficulties when they participate in extension education. Based on the results, four perspectives explaining the key factors affecting faculty commitment to university extension are identified: structural commitment, personal commitment, competence and career stage. Moreover, the present study also demonstrates a distinction between relative work value and absolute work value, a fruitful area for further studies.

Keywords：faculty,extension education,commitment

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