ABSTRACT
The work is not managerial or professional in nature. There are several reasons for considering different strategies for support personnel. First, their work is typically performed under direct supervision, and what is to be done is largely prescribed by others. Second, their expertise is typically gained through work experience, rather than formal education at the university level. Third, support personnel most often are focused on prescribed duties that are performed according to established policies and procedures, rather than working more autonomously to meet assigned objectives. Fourth, of all the employee categories, incumbents are the category most likely to be represented by a union and have their conditions of employment controlled by a collective bargaining agreement. Finally, the labor markets for operating/support jobs tend to be local. The job description becomes a critical component of performance and pay management programs, as well as specifying conditions of employment.
