A New Deal for Secretaries? Report 313.

A study identified the current and future skill requirements of secretaries through a review of available data and research literature; interviews with key players in the secretarial field and employers and secretaries in 20 British organizations; and a forum where research findings were discussed. Findings indicated that in the majority of organizations the number of secretaries had declined. Key factors driving changes in secretarial roles and functions were advances in information technology and increased computerization; changes in organizational structures; and changes in organizational cultures and working practices. The traditional secretarial role as support worker still predominated but research pointed to the emergence of two new secretarial roles: the team player and the independent worker. As support workers, secretaries were expected to have good oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, understanding of the organizational structure and nature of business, and ability to use a range of computer applications, office equipment, and technology. As team workers, they needed to be assertive, be able to manage pressure and conflicting demands, have an understanding of group dynamics, be both cooperative and collaborative, and be able to manage conflict and consensus. As independent workers, secretaries were developing their own areas of work and responsibilities. Little evidence was found that development and career opportunities for secretaries were improving significantly. (Contains 31 references.) (YLB)