Developing Professional Guidelines for Administrators and Heads of Research at Research Organisations

Abstract

Introduction. The development and deployment of professional guidelines for research organisation administrators and heads of research at research organisations are motivated by the ever-growing productivity requirements for research and scientific and technical activity. They are also motivated by the quality requirements for the results of research and their practical application, as well as the area of activity and qualification requirements for administrators and heads of research. The purpose of this study is to elaborate on the process of drafting professional guidelines for two job types: research organisation administrator and head of research at a research organisation. Methods. We develop the guidelines for research organisation administrators and heads of research at research organisations by using a systemic approach and relying on comparative and functional analysis. Other methods employed include expert surveys, expert assessments, content analysis of expert comments and a graphical method that clearly illustrates the stages in which the proposals received from experts are processed. The theoretical methods used in this study include abstraction and specification, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, classification and generalisation. We also employ the simulation of professional activity while developing models of professional guidelines and drafting the professional guidelines themselves. Results and Discussion. As a result of this study, we present the methods of drafting professional guidelines for two job types: Research Organisation Administrator and Head of Research at a Research Organisation, informed by analysing the literature on the subject. In addition, we study how professional guidelines are used abroad, the development of said guidelines, analyse the critiques and suggestions received from experts and interested parties during a public discussion in the professional community, and further adjust our guidelines. Conclusion. After summarising our analysis, we conclude that the development of administrator and head of research activity at research organisations has excellent potential, as these positions are the ones that shape a given research organisation's contribution to resolving the social and economic issues faced by the national government. Our draft guidelines for administrators and heads of research are aimed at introducing an effective HR policy and competent personnel management within research organisations. The structure and content of the draft guidelines are optimal for bridging the gap between professional education and the actual labour market requirements. They fully reflect all skill, knowledge and competence requirements.