Abstract:
As the nursery industry shifts from a production orientation to a market orientation, the manner in which programs in higher education prepare students must also shift. Although agricultural, business, and general education courses are typically included in the undergraduate experience, obtaining industry input in the curriculum is a beneficial exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the nursery industry's perception of selected knowledge areas outside of the horticultural sciences. In addition, preferred background characteristics for beginning managers in the industry were identified. The findings revealed that starting employees should have some college but not necessarily a baccalaureate degree. In addition, substantial field experience in the industry was preferred. Interpersonal knowledge areas (communication, leadership, personnel management, and organizational planning) were more highly valued than business and marketing, computer, and general education. The study concludes with suggestions for the inclusion of interpersonal knowledge areas in the curriculum.
Keywords:
nursery industry, beginning managers
 Download Article | [ ] | 310 kB |
