Impact of staff commitment and morale on the implementation of the project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong

Abstract

In the field of positive youth development, there are few studies on program sustainability and the relationship between program implementation and program sustainability. Based on an in-depth case study in the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong, this study examines the intrinsic factors and mechanisms that influence program implementation and sustainability. The results reveal that implementers under study are highly flexible and responsive agents who operate in different areas at all school levels. With an understanding of the program philosophies and a belief in its efficacy, implementers also modify the program by integrating the "adopted" program to the existing strength-based framework, resulting in enhanced program effectiveness and sustainability. Furthermore, the present study underscores the importance of staff commitment and morale in the implementation and sustainability of positive youth development programs in the Chinese context.