Communication between forest scientists, professional foresters, and nonindustrial private forest owners leading to forest management technology transfer

This research investigated communication related to forest management technology transfer. Four areas of communication theory were reviewed. Systems theory suggests technology transfer has three subsystems: scientists serve as information source, professional foresters serve as information link, and nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) owners consume information. Within each subsystem, personal, social, and situational characteristics affect individuals' communication behavior.;Three mail surveys were conducted during 1989: a census of forest scientists and professional foresters and a sample of NIPF owners in VA, NC, SC, and GA. Response rates were: 79 percent, 85 percent, and 59 percent, respectively.;Scientists had high and diverse information input. Foresters took in less information with less diversity. Communication differences occurred between state and Extension foresters. NIPF owners took in the least information. Communication differences occurred by landowners' physiographic region. The information input of all three groups was skewed, indicating that a few took in more information than the majority. Social involvement was positively related to information input among all study groups.;Four situational perceptions were measured: problem recognition, constraint recognition, level of involvement, and level of knowledge; these were positively related to the amount and diversity of information input for foresters and NIPF owners. All situational variables were positively related to one another across all study groups, suggesting a combined measure of information utility. Scientists opine that foresters often lack the capabilities to fulfill their role; their opinions of NIPF owners recognize diversity. Foresters stereotype scientists as out of touch; they stereotype NIPF owners as unknowledgeable about forest management. NIPF owners lack awareness of what scientists and foresters do; few indicated a connection to the other groups.;Most forest management information circulates among scientists, a small portion flows to foresters, and a smaller portion flows to NIPF owners. Within each group, some individuals are active communicators; social involvement can identify these. Situational variables can be used to help understand information input. Inter-group opinions suggest barriers to communication. Recommendations for further research and changes to current technology transfer practices are made.