Discerning Extrinsic Motivational Factors of Performance in Extension Service Delivery to Disadvantageous Locations: A Dimension Reduction Approach

Grassroots extension functionaries in disadvantageous settings often face formidable challenges and difficulties in reaching set performance standards. To harness optimum performance, it is necessary to delve into their perceived performance prerequisites – the extrinsic motivational factors. The present study conducted during 2015-16 aimed at extracting extrinsic motivational factors of performance of Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) working in Farm Science Centers popularly known as Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) located across the disadvantageous Northeastern region (NER) of India. Sample of the study comprised two hundred and thirty one SMSs from fifty nine KVKs across eight NER states (n=231). A factor analysis following principal component extraction approach and orthogon al rotation helped in isolating ten major extrinsic motivational factors from thirty eight variables governing performance of the SMSs of NER KVKs: organizational climate and work culture (F1), technology application and capacity building aids (F2), road infrastructure and transport facilities (F3), physical facilities within KVK (F4), safety of KVK staff, resources, and produce (F5), host institute's support (F6), experimentation and demonstration facilities (F7), ease of external contact (F8), task-remuneration balance (F9), and basic amenities within reach (F10). Findings of the study will be useful for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the concerned development departments of the state governments in formulation and implementation of suitable development policies and welfare measures. The factors identified may be used as useful indicators for scaling, index development, and for other related measurement purposes by the policy makers and future researchers.