A Framework for Enhancing Digital Competencies in Modern Secretarial Administration

Thesis Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed secretarial administration, necessitating a comprehensive framework to enhance digital competencies among administrative professionals to maintain efficiency and competitiveness. Despite the critical role that secretaries play in organizational operations, existing training paradigms often lack a structured approach to developing requisite digital skills aligned with contemporary technology trends. This study aims to develop a context-specific, evidence-based framework that enhances digital competencies among secretarial staff within corporate organizations. The specific objectives include identifying key digital skills required in modern secretarial roles, evaluating current competency levels, understanding barriers to digital skills development, and formulating a practical framework to guide training and professional development initiatives. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital competencies in secretarial administration. Quantitatively, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 secretarial staff across multinational corporations in the metropolitan financial district, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire measuring digital skills, self-efficacy, and training access, validated through pilot testing, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87 indicating high reliability. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 senior administrative managers and digital training specialists to explore contextual barriers and facilitators. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, factor analysis for skill categorization, multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of digital competency, and thematic analysis for interview transcripts, ensuring triangulation of findings. Preliminary expected findings suggest a significant gap between current digital competencies of secretarial staff and evolving organizational needs, with key digital skills identified as advanced document management, cloud collaboration tools, cybersecurity awareness, and data analytics literacy. Regression analysis is anticipated to reveal that access to continuous professional development (CPD) programs, organizational support, and individual self-efficacy significantly influence proficiency levels. The qualitative insights are expected to highlight critical barriers, including limited training opportunities, resistance to technological change, and resource constraints, which hinder skill enhancement efforts. This study contributes novel insights into the development of a functional, scalable framework that integrates theoretical foundations such as Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with empirical evidence from the field. The resulting framework offers a structured approach for HR practitioners, policymakers, and educational providers to design targeted training interventions, incorporate digital literacy into ongoing professional development, and foster organizational cultures that embrace technological change. Additionally, the study advances existing literature by addressing the specific context of secretarial roles in high-capacity organizational settings, thereby filling a notable gap in digital skills development research. In conclusion, the research underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions aimed at bolstering digital competencies among secretarial professionals to sustain operational efficiency and adapt to digital transformations. It recommends the adoption of the proposed framework for integrating digital literacy into organizational training structures, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and organizational support. Future research should explore longitudinal assessments of framework implementation efficacy and extend investigations to diverse organizational contexts to refine and adapt the model for broader applicability. This study, therefore, provides a critical foundation for structured digital skills enhancement that aligns with the evolving demands of secretarial administration in the digital age.