Universalization of Universities and Staff Development (SD)

From the Viewpoint of University Administrative Staff

Abstract

　 It is said that universities have already entered the stage of universalization, and it is in this context that emphasis is being placed on the necessity of staff development (SD). However, it is impossible to avoid thinking that the reality of SD is nothing more than the continuous implementation of training programs and that it has an inbuilt bias in favor of promoting skill improvement. Writing from the viewpoint of a university administrative staff member, the author proposes a redefinition of the purpose of SD as “the ability and skill development of university administrative staff members who are able to manage the various tasks that have to be undertaken in order to realize university reform.” With this objective in mind, the author raises the issue of the need on the one hand, for universities to institute bold and positive empowerment of their staff, and on the other, for administrative staff members themselves to get to grips with SD through autonomous and systematic actions.

　 The paper introduces the latest policy trends in SD, based on consideration of the proposals put forward by the SD Program Advisory Committee of the Japan Association of the University Administrative Management, and initiatives carried out by university-affiliated associations as well as case studies of a number of universities. It concludes by referring to the tasks facing universities in terms of getting to grips with SD in the future.