Secretarial Correspondence: Meaning

SECRETARIAL CORRESPONDENCE

Introduction:

With liberalization of the economy and globalization, the world has now become one single market. Due to this, the competition experienced by the business houses has also increased multifold.

The organizations have to strive hard to create opportunities to survive & grow in this environment. Hence, there arises a need of individuals having specialized knowledge and skills in their respective fields. One of such specialized individual is known as “Secretary”. Secretaries are being appointed by business firms, trade associations, sports clubs, co-operative societies, trade unions, government departments, non-profit associations etc. in order to look after day-to-day business matters.

In olden times, the king or emperor appointed a secretary or a personal assistant to only look after his routine work, such as, giving advice on critical matters, writing professional letters or maintaining secrecy on confidential matters. However, over the years the role of a secretary has changed considerably from being a personal secretary to an institutional secretary. His duties have changed from clerical level to ministerial level. He plays an important role in the business organization and works as a backbone for an organizational structure.

Meaning:

The word secretary is derived from the Latin word “Secretarius” which means a confidential writer or notary’ He is a person entrusted with secrets. In earlier days the officer who conducts the correspondence of a King is called Secretary. In modern times the duties and functions of a secretary is especially felt in the business world because of two reasons.

1.           Size and growth of business.

2.           Complexities of business operations.

The governing body of the organization may change (i.e.) director, chairman of the companies, ministers in the cabinet may come and go but the secretary has to run the show, and promote the growth of the organiasation.