Desired Competencies for the Role of Executive Secretary at Walailak University
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Abstract
This study on the desired competencies of executive secretaries, a case study of Walailak University, aims to study the components and importance levels of these competencies, as well as propose guidelines for developing the competencies of senior executive secretaries at Walailak University. A mixed-methods research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, was used. Data collection was conducted through interviews and questionnaires. The sample group and key informants were 16 senior executives at Walailak University, selected through purposive sampling. Qualitative data were analyzed using interpretive and content analysis methods to identify key competency components, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation.
The findings reveal that the desired competencies of executive secretaries consist of three main dimensions: knowledge (11 components), skills (12 components), and personal attributes(11 components). The competencies with the highest levels of importance are responsibility, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and effective communication skills, ranked as the top three. The findings of this study can be utilized to design training programs, enhance staff capacity, and establish guidelines for the recruitment and evaluation of executive secretaries at Walailak University. These contributions are expected to support organizational management efficiency and address the demands of the modern era.
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