Resumen de Office Management Competencies Model Based on Industrial Perspectives

Edi Suryadi, Tutik Inayati, Rasto ., Fahmi Jahidah Islamy, Yosep Hernawan

• Purpose:  this paper’s purpose is to explore competencies that should be acquired by graduates according to industries that they will work for. This study also proposes a model for competencies for office management aspect in industries and the categorization of these competencies and activities based on not only the education background but also the management level in an organization.

    Theoretical framework: The literature used in this study consists of many sources. However, we emphasize on the work description that is required in office management (Hollis-Turner; 2015 and Maynard; 1967).    Design/methodology/approach: We gathered several cross-sectional articles on office competencies, and we also collected primary data through interviews with three experienced professionals in offices. We use critical systems heuristics to structure the answers, as well as construct the model of office competencies.

    Findings: The results of this research are two folds. First, the exploration of office management field competencies has several discrepancies between industrial perspectives and what are taught at the university or school, including soft skill competencies that should be given when graduates were still in school or university. Second result is the model is constructed that has significant contribution for the academic and industrial aspects.

    Research, Practical & Social implications: We would suggest that academic world would learn and adapt from the model constructed to avoid future misconception on office competencies. In the future, more office research will enrich the resources to determine the curriculum especially in office management.

    Originality/value: The result of this study emphasizes that while office can be changed into virtual offices, the competencies to run an office are still needed. Hence, this study shows the perspective from industries in Indonesia that can be used for curriculum redesign in universities and schools.