Perceptions on the Leadership of Rural Extension Agents in Uruguay, a Quantitative Approach

Abstract

Leadership has a strategic role in the extension process, since the extension agent has to promote changes and develop both human and natural resources. Regarding this framework the purpose of this study was to understand the way rural extension agents in Uruguay perceive leadership in their professional practices. A quantitative research was performed centered in two questionnaires, one based on leadership styles and the other one on the participants’ demographics. One hundred and twenty rural extension agents employed by public and private institutions and the University were part of the study. Data analysis was performed with exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Results showed three leadership styles in the practice of extension: two of them combined transformational and transactional styles and the third form combined a transactional and a passive form of leadership. Demographics show that 69 % of the participants have college degrees and 49 % lack specific training in extension.