Skaggs, W. D., County Extension Coordinator & ANR Agent, UGA Cooperative Extension – Hall County

ABSTRACT

Agent retention has been a problem within the Cooperative Extension System for many years. In Georgia, the turnover rate among Extension agents has been as high as 40% in recent years. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors contributing to employee resignation (perceived and actual) among Cooperative Extension Agents in Georgia. This study began in the fall of 2005 and was completed in the summer of 2006. The study was qualitative in nature, utilizing in-depth interviews with five former Extension Agents and five currently employed Extension Agents. Significant factors leading to employee resignation among those in the study were time demand / time away from family, salary, lack of leadership and support, and unrealistic job expectations.
PDF Version

---