Comparative Analysis of the Status of Agricultural Cooperative Extension Training in Compliance with The Learning Organization in Iran

The purpose of this research was comparative analysis of the status of agricultural cooperative extension training in compliance with the learning organization. Causal-comparative research has been used to achieve the research purpose. In this study, the Ex-Post Facto research method was used. Members of agricultural cooperatives in Alborz province were 25,000 people in the statistical population of the study. Using Krejcie and Morgan table, the sample size of this community was 379 people. Statistical analysis of the research was performed using SPSS software version 22. At first, based on previous studies and conducting three brainstorming sessions with experts on educational dimensions (training needs assessment, educational goals, educational content, educational facilities and methods, professional competencies of educators and educational evaluation) based on the principles of the learning organization (personal mastery, mental models, systems thinking, shared vision and team learning), indicators and sub-indicators appropriate to the study population were identified. In order to compare the current and desired situation of the dimensions of extension training of agricultural cooperatives in Alborz province in accordance with the learning organization, the Wilcoxon test was used. Based on the results of comparing, all educational dimensions, ie educational needs assessment, educational goals, educational content, educational facilities and methods, professional competencies of educators and educational evaluation, it was determined through Wilcoxon test that with 99% probability between current and desired in compliance with the learning organization in Alborz province there is a significant difference.