Abstract

The current study tested core dimensions of the job characteristics model (JCM) among extension agents in Egyptian agricultural extension system. Agricultural extension system was chosen due to its importance in achieving sustainable agricultural strategy 2030. The paper examines the effect of core job dimensions on both affective responses represented by satisfaction, and behavioral responses represented by performance. Core job dimensions are skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback. 230 extension agent were selected by formula. Data were elicited from extension agents who attended the weekly meeting which had been held in the sub-directorates in administrative districts during the period from September to October 2008 in Dakahalia and Qena governorates. Frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean, reliability coefficient, multiple correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyze data statistically. Regression analysis revealed that performance was not related to the core job dimensions while satisfaction was. The findings of this study offer several implications for the JCM as a theory especially, in agreement with most research, due to ability of job characteristics to predict levels of job satisfaction. The managers of Egyptian agricultural extension system should put job characteristics into consideration for job redesign to enhance satisfaction and performance of extension agents.

Key words: Job characteristics, satisfaction, performance, agricultural extension.