In tracing the origin and historical
background of secretary, Gowan (2006) stated that no one can specifically state
when and where secretaries originate from, but it stands to reason that the
role arose out of the natural need for a prominent person to whom confidential
matters could be entrusted and who could act as an assistant for a principal
person. It is known that secretaries existed in Rome prior to the establishment
of the empire. They were usually educated men who took dictation as
“scribes,” and oftentimes acted as trusted advisors.
background of secretary, Gowan (2006) stated that no one can specifically state
when and where secretaries originate from, but it stands to reason that the
role arose out of the natural need for a prominent person to whom confidential
matters could be entrusted and who could act as an assistant for a principal
person. It is known that secretaries existed in Rome prior to the establishment
of the empire. They were usually educated men who took dictation as
“scribes,” and oftentimes acted as trusted advisors.
Before the invention of parchment and
reed pens, tools of the trade for scribes ranged from chisels used upon stone
to styluses used on clay, wood or wax tablets. Shorthand became part of the
preparation and training of secretaries (and emperors as well, including Julius
Caesar and Augustus). In
early modern times, members of the nobility had secretaries, who functioned
quite similarly to those of the present day. They were always men; most had
command of several languages, including Latin, and were required to have what
we would consider today as a broad, generalized education (Naisbitt, 2014).
reed pens, tools of the trade for scribes ranged from chisels used upon stone
to styluses used on clay, wood or wax tablets. Shorthand became part of the
preparation and training of secretaries (and emperors as well, including Julius
Caesar and Augustus). In
early modern times, members of the nobility had secretaries, who functioned
quite similarly to those of the present day. They were always men; most had
command of several languages, including Latin, and were required to have what
we would consider today as a broad, generalized education (Naisbitt, 2014).
As commerce and trade expanded, people
of wealth and power needed secretaries (confidants and trusted agents) to
handle correspondence on private or confidential matters, most particularly
matters of state. Following the Renaissance, men continued to dominate clerical
and secretarial roles. They maintained account books, in addition to performing
stenographic duties, and were known for their exemplary penmanship skills. Many
labored long hours, with their “secretary” desks serving as their
files and workstations. As world trade expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries,
secretaries often attained an elevated status and held prominent positions.
Secretarial status titles frequently included “personal” or
“private.”
of wealth and power needed secretaries (confidants and trusted agents) to
handle correspondence on private or confidential matters, most particularly
matters of state. Following the Renaissance, men continued to dominate clerical
and secretarial roles. They maintained account books, in addition to performing
stenographic duties, and were known for their exemplary penmanship skills. Many
labored long hours, with their “secretary” desks serving as their
files and workstations. As world trade expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries,
secretaries often attained an elevated status and held prominent positions.
Secretarial status titles frequently included “personal” or
“private.”
Men continued to dominate the
secretarial field until the late 1880s. During the industrial expansion at the
turn of the century, business offices faced a paperwork crisis. More and more
women entered the office workforce in various clerical roles, and they adapted
well to new technologies such as the adding machine, telephone and typewriter.
Many women held, or aspired to hold, positions as secretaries. They attended
secretarial schools and worked to attain superior skills.
secretarial field until the late 1880s. During the industrial expansion at the
turn of the century, business offices faced a paperwork crisis. More and more
women entered the office workforce in various clerical roles, and they adapted
well to new technologies such as the adding machine, telephone and typewriter.
Many women held, or aspired to hold, positions as secretaries. They attended
secretarial schools and worked to attain superior skills.
In the 1930s, the number of men with
the title secretary dwindled. Women dominated the office workforce. Some were
promoted from steno pools, some were graduates of business colleges or
secretarial schools, but all were seeking the professional status and pay
previously enjoyed by their male counterparts. Today, secretaries (also known as administrative
assistants, office coordinators, executive assistants, office managers, and
various other titles) are using computers, the Internet and other advanced
office technologies to perform vital “information management”
functions in the modern office.
the title secretary dwindled. Women dominated the office workforce. Some were
promoted from steno pools, some were graduates of business colleges or
secretarial schools, but all were seeking the professional status and pay
previously enjoyed by their male counterparts. Today, secretaries (also known as administrative
assistants, office coordinators, executive assistants, office managers, and
various other titles) are using computers, the Internet and other advanced
office technologies to perform vital “information management”
functions in the modern office.
Secretaries have taken on roles and
responsibilities well beyond being just “typists” for “the
boss”. Now, they often write that
correspondence, as well as plan meetings, organize data using spreadsheet and
database management software, interact with clients, vendors and the general
public, supervise the office and other staff, handle purchasing and even train
other workers (Sehari & Tarakanita, 2006).
responsibilities well beyond being just “typists” for “the
boss”. Now, they often write that
correspondence, as well as plan meetings, organize data using spreadsheet and
database management software, interact with clients, vendors and the general
public, supervise the office and other staff, handle purchasing and even train
other workers (Sehari & Tarakanita, 2006).
