Administrative staffs’ training needs and talent development at a Health Sciences University

Abstract

Orientation: Although administrative support staff are the glue that holds everything together in universities, they are often taken for granted when talent is identified and developed. Targeted training needs analysis and talent development interventions are often focused on elite academic staff, leaving a deficit in understanding how administrative support staff should be developed.

Research purpose: To determine or investigate training needs analysis and talent development practices to support Health Sciences University (HSU) administrative staff.

Motivation for the study: There is little empirical evidence and a lack of understanding of how to identify and address the specific training needs of administrative staff to increase universities’ organisational performance.

Research approach/design and method: A deductive, quantitative approach, using a descriptive survey research design and census of the entire population (200) permanent administrative staff officers, secretaries or personal assistants in an HSU (N = 163), was employed. Statistical analysis included validity and reliability measures, correlations and exploratory factor analysis.

Main findings: The results revealed a strong, significant, positive link between the perception of training needs analysis process and talent management practices of administrative staff with regard to demographic variables of age, gender, job title, educational level, job level and tenure.

Practical/managerial implications: To reinforce the training needs analysis process and talent development for the entire staff or employees at the HSU.

Contribution/value-add: This study offers evidence of and advocates for new ways of working, including all staff’s talents to maximise student support and organisational excellence.