Research and Development of Training Package: Community Relations Strategy for Community Relations Officers Working for Government Agencies

Abstract

This research had four major objectives: 1) to analyse successful working lessons for community relations of the government officers in model areas; 2) to develop a training package on practical community relations strategies; 3) to test the training package and measure the learning results of trainees in the trial; and 4) to assess the satisfaction of trainees with the training process using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The results showed that: 1) For community relations work it is essential to understand the relationship between the community and the agency and to choose appropriate communications strategies based on three major types of information—knowledge of the organization and its work rules; knowledge of the geo-social life of the community; and communication knowledge and skills. 2) The training package consisted of an instructor’s handbook, teaching materials, and handouts for self study including the learning objectives and major concepts of each topic plus the 2-days face-to-face workshop. 3) The trial of the training package showed that the trainees’ posttest scores were higher than those of their pretest. 4) The trainees were highly satisfied with the training process and the course content.