What it means to be a secretary as perceived by first-year information specialist students : the changing work force : the changing curriculum

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Date
1997
Authors
Clark, Carolyn
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1997
Abstract
This study surveyed students preparing for a secretarial career to determine whether they were aware of the new responsibilities of secretaries in today's business office. The role of the secretary has changed over the past decade as management philosophies in the business world have changed. Technical advances, new business procedures, and global markets are only a few of the forces which have contributed to the new demands on today's secretary. Data from the initial survey indicated that students' perceptions were based on an outdated stereotypical image and also that many high school counselors also had this outdated image. The changes that have affected secretaries in the work place also affect curriculum changes in programs training individuals for the secretarial profession. The aim of office education is the development of marketable office skills that will enable a person to secure employment. While the aim of office eductors has remained unchanged, the objectives have drastically changed. The study looks at skills taught in the one-year Office Assistant program at Lethbridge Community College. After completion of the one-year program, Office Assistant students were administered a second survey to determine whether their perception had changed. The second survey indicated that the students had a more accurate perception of what was required of them in today's office.
Description
vi, 51 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
Secretaries -- Vocational guidance , Secretaries -- Attitudes
Citation