Publication of Secretarial Work, Skills and Careers 2009 Research Report has generated a fierce debate after scathing comments in some press articles

The Press Release for the Report : 'Take and MBA, Miss Jones' - research reveals the changing role of the modern secretary -  highlighted the comprehensive nature of the study, and the tasks that many PA's are asked to do the that go "beyond the call of duty".  

Rosemary Parr, founder of the Global PA Network and instigator of the report said "We at Global PA Network consider this research project to be long overdue and points up significant issues for PA's around the World, despite some uninformed comments".

In the Business Times Sathnam Sanghera responded to the Research Project with "So what do you expect" - see the full article  and responses to the article from readers.

Rosemary Parr has responded with a letter to Sathnam Sanghera giving the view that the report was far more balanced and professional, and accurately represents the current position and status of PA's in the workplace. Two Case Studies back up the report with more detailed interviews  

The Report is also reported in Management Today, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express or see PDF of Report , the Institute of Leadership & Management, Times Higher, OS Magazine, Executary, Fresh Business Thinking and the Ashdown Group.

The Research team were interviewed w/c 2 November on Radio 5 Live, BBC Wales, Radio Sussex & Surrey and Radio Sheffield. 

The full 56 page report can be purchased for £35 plus VAT from Kingston University Business School, Centre for Research in Employment, Skills & Society - email Katie Truss to request a copy.  The report contains a detailed analysis of the findings of our in-depth questionnaire survey, and report on demographic data, training and education, salary levels, secretarial job content, the management of the PA workforce including communication, involvement, training, development, appraisal and careers and attitudes towards work, including engagement, job satisfaction, work life balance and burnout.  The Research was carried out by Professor Katie Truss and Dr Kerstin Alfes of CRESS together with Business Fellow Amanda Rosewarne and Rosemary Parr, founder of the Global PA Network.