The Culture of successful administrative professionals : an ethnographic case study

Abstract

Behind every successful executive is an efficient and competent administrative professional. The administrative professionals are the unsung heroes in the workplace. Their effort is oftentimes hardly seen, but these unassuming management support greatly contribute to the success of their organizations.ð€€ƒ Using the descriptive quantitative and qualitative—ethnography—design, this study sought to determine the antecedents of successful administrative professionals who were professionally-trained and not-professionally trained working in different institutions of a faith-based organization in the Philippines. Selection of participants employed the purposive maximum variation sampling. A total of 130 sets of questionnaires were sent to the different institutions in the initial survey with a return rate of 81.5% (106). After which, the 15 best-rated participants were identified based on the selection criteria. The qualitative data were collected using interviews and observation. Findings indicated that in the Philippines, 60% of the administrative professionals working in different institutions of this faith-based organization have office administration degrees while 40% have other degrees. Findings also revealed that the successful administrative professionals who comprise the main part of this study possess the 21st century work requirements. They have the desired level of education and they have excellent qualities and skills. They occupy positions of trust as office secretary, administrative secretary, or administrative assistant. These administrative professionals play a vital role in their workplaces and are very valuable in their organizations according to their executives. Although the type of education does not really matter in their being successful based on their performance evaluation and qualities and skills assessment by their executives, these professionals recognize the importance of continuing professional development and training in related field to stay current on the job and to meet the demands of their work. Conclusions based upon the findings of the study include that the professionals are successful because they have the character (qualities), the competence (skills), and the connection (active learning and excellent relationship with God and with men). They have high core self-evaluation and are satisfied and happy with their jobs. However, they wish to have their rate and title reviewed to match with their responsibilities and the role they play in their workplaces. Recommendations included how colleges can improve the office administration offerings to help students become better administrative professionals and attract more students to go into the profession.