The influencing factors on the performance of agricultural extension agents in corn farming (a study conducted in Gorontalo province)

Performance is the response or success of the work actually achieved by individuals in an organization. Agricultural extension workers have basic tasks and functions that must be carried out to achieve good performance. The instructor who performs well can position himself as a motivator, educator, facilitator and dynamicator that has an impact on changes in farmer's behavior in farming. The specific goal of this study is to 1) identify the internal factors influencing the performance of agricultural extension agents in corn farming in Gorontalo Province and 2) analyze the extent to which the internal factors influence the performance of agricultural extension agents in corn farming in Gorontalo Province. This study employed a survey method and involved 123 extension agents as the sample. The data were analyzed using the multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that variables of agricultural extension agents' characteristics, work ability, and motivation are the internal factors that partially and simultaneously provide a significant effect on the performance of agricultural extension agents in Gorontalo Province. The extent to which internal factors influence the performance mentioned above is 52.7%.