Paraprofessional Staff Research Articles

Trajectories of Parent Participation in Early Intervention/Prevention Services: The Case for Flexible Paraprofessional-led Services

ABSTRACT Objective: This study examined parents’ participation in a school-and home-based prevention and early intervention service model designed to promote positive parenting and parent involvement in schooling. Method: Paraprofessionals (n = 32) employed by four social service agencies provided parenting support and education through parent groups, home/community visits, case management, and individual contacts to African American and Latino/a families in urban high-poverty communities (n = 375). In this open trial, we identified longitudinal trajectories of parents’ participation across all service formats over the course of a full school year using latent class growth models, then examined group differences in baseline child and family characteristics, participation in specific service formats, and parenting skills practice across the year. Results: Four distinct trajectories were identified: parents with consistently low participation; parents whose participation declined and subsequently rebounded; parents with increasing participation; and parents with consistently high participation. Significant differences between trajectory groups were identified on baseline child and family characteristics, and the number and types of service formats in which parents participated participation. Parents across trajectories consistently practiced parenting skills over the school year, with parents who demonstrated increasing participation over time showing the most growth in the number of skills practiced each month. Conclusions: Unique patterns of parent participation across a school year in paraprofessional-delivered services indicates the promise of capitalizing on multiple opportunities to engage parents and suggests the potential for paraprofessional staff to overcome longstanding disparities in parent involvement in children’s mental health services.

Towards the ethical librarian

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the perspectives and viewpoints of professional staff of the Sam Jonah Library in as much as the ethical aspects of their profession are concerned. The paper also seeks to determine the common ethical issues that confront these professionals and their default courses of action in dealing with these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe descriptive survey design was used as the research methodology with the population of the study being all professional (post-graduate diploma and above) and para-professional (certificate, diploma and first degree) staff of the library. Due to the small number of professional staff (43) in the library, the census sampling technique was used.FindingsResults indicated the existence of ethical dilemmas in the working lives of these professionals with guidance for dealing with these dilemmas emanating mostly from consultation of senior colleagues. Although the findings showed that the Ghana Library Association (GLA) had an ethics handbook, it was revealed that majority of the staff were not aware of its existence. It was also discovered that one of the major challenges of these professionals is the absence of a specific library code of ethics handbook to guide staff in case they are confronted with these ethical dilemmas. The study recommends a strong awareness creation initiative from the GLA to bring to the notice of members, the existence of a formal code of ethics document.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on specific ethical issues confronting staff of the library and their current modes of dealing with the dilemmas they encounter.

Library staff utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for service delivery in special libraries in north central Nigeria

The study investigated ICT utilization for service delivery in special libraries in North Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by three objectives and relevant literature related to the study was reviewed. Survey research design was used for the study. The population comprised of one hundred and twenty-six (126) professional and para professional library staff in fifteen (15) research libraries in North Central Nigeria. But the sampled population for the study comprised of eighty three (83) library staff from eight (8) research libraries in the North Central Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for collection of data. Out of eighty three (83) copies of questionnaires administered, seventy six (76) copies were duly completed and the data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages and mean score. The study revealed ICT facilities were available for minimal use for service delivery. Major problems hindering utilizations of ICT for service delivery in research libraries of the North Central Nigeria were those of ICT policy and in adequate funds. The study proffered recommendations. Keywords: Special libraries, service delivery, North Central, ICT, Utilizatiion

P192 Use of a Validated Nutrition Literacy Assessment Tool for Determining Training Needs for SNAP-Ed Paraprofessional Staff

Background Nutrition education best practices emphasize using paraprofessional staff who relate to the target audience as a strategy for reaching under-served populations. These staff must possess adequate nutrition literacy to teach nutrition skills to participants. This peer educator model results in a workforce with less formal education, resulting in increased training needs, as research has shown significant positive relationships between education level and nutrition literacy. Objective Determine nutrition literacy levels of SNAP-Ed paraprofessional staff using a validated tool (NLit) to observe training needs. Study Design, Settingd, Participants Cross-sectional survey of SNAP-Ed staff (n = 60) in Illinois using NLit and demographic questionnaire. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Literacy scores were calculated and categorized based on NLit's scoring interpretation: likelihood of poor nutrition literacy (level 1), possibility of poor nutrition literacy (level 2), and likelihood of good nutrition literacy (level 3). Differences in scores by education and experience were measured using Kruskal Wallis tests. Results Eighty percent of staff received a level 3 score on the NLit, indicating likelihood of good nutrition literacy. No staff received a level 1 score. Education ranged from completed grade 12 (5%) to post-graduate degree (15%), with the largest group having graduated a 4-year college (45%). SNAP-Ed experience ranged 21 years (2%), with the largest group having 1-5 years of experience (42%). There were no differences in NLit scores based on education (P = .23) or years of SNAP-Ed experience (P = .15). Conclusion In this sample of trained SNAP-Ed paraprofessional staff, a majority had a high likelihood of good nutrition literacy. Thus, the current training provided is adequate to overcome barriers of less formal education. Although no knowledge gaps were identified for existing staff, future research will explore using NLit to assess nutrition literacy of new staff at time of hire, allowing the ability to track literacy gains over time and assess training effectiveness. Funding SNAP-Ed.

Increasing diversity in peer-to-peer education: A case study of manager experiences with student paraprofessionals in learning development in the Canadian context

This autoethnographic case study examines the experience of managers with hiring student paraprofessionals into various roles within peer-to-peer education models and programmes as a method to increase the diversity in learning development services in the Canadian context. Tailoring learning development through peer-to-peer education models for diverse student groups is an important aspect of how learning development supports students in higher education. Including the knowledge and perspectives of student paraprofessionals who better reflect the diversity of the population we serve has been an important aspect of our practice. Our purpose for this case study is to better understand how our experiences with paraprofessional staff diversity, over a seven-year period (2010-2017), have influenced our practice of learning development in an institutional context focussed on creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment on campus to better support the needs of diverse learners. The knowledge that we gained through this analysis of diversity and peer learning as an approach to learning development may serve as an example of the value of autoethnography as a method to provide useful insight to professionals and leaders in the field.

Forensic Staff Attitudes Toward Men Who Have Sexually Offended: A General Public Comparison.

The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes toward men who have sexually offended (MSO) between the general public and professionals and paraprofessionals in forensic settings. Existing research shows a number of different factors that appear to be important in the development, maintenance, and deterioration of attitudes toward MSO. The exploration of such factors requires further exploration. A convenience sample was used for the cross-sectional study. Five hundred fifty-three participants were recruited from the general public and forensic hospitals, both private and National Health Service. An online version of the Attitudes Towards Sex Offenders scale (Hogue, 1993) was distributed via email and social media. Gender was not found to have any impact on the attitudes individuals held toward MSO. The general public was found to have significantly more negative attitudes when compared with those exposed to MSO at work (professional and paraprofessional staff). Duration of employment did not make attitudes any more or less positive. The clinical and societal implications of the research are important for MSO to reduce risk within forensic establishments and be supported to reintegrate successfully into the community. Without the support from both staff and the general public at each stage of rehabilitation, desistance is less likely to be maintained. Research continues to provide varying results regarding the factors that influence the nature of attitudes toward MSO.

From the bottom up: Engaging technical services staff in decision-making

Sweeping innovations in publishing models, shifts from print to electronic, and the expanding impact of consortia alliances have transformed technical services operations in academic libraries. Work of technical services units is transitioning from daily assignment of routine work by supervisors, to a dynamic project-based operation where both staff and management input is crucial to the success of the unit. The new environment requires all staff to actively engage in decision-making as part of a team of colleagues and managers, using evaluation, synthesis, and prioritization to meet project and operational goals. This article describes activities Eastern Washington University Libraries’ Collection Services unit has undertaken to involve and empower its classified staff in decision-making and priority-setting in order to drive innovation and change within the unit and library-wide. Unit activities have included redesigning physical space, instituting summer retreats, establishing unit ground rules, and ensuring classified staff involvement in hiring. These activities have laid the groundwork for a more collaborative and empowered team of paraprofessional and professional staff able to successfully anticipate and adapt to the rapidly evolving academic library environment.

Collaboration with Urban Community Stakeholders: Refining Paraprofessional‐led Services to Promote Positive Parenting

This paper describes the process of a community-academic partnership to navigate implementation challenges for a school-based service model led by paraprofessionals to promote positive parenting in high poverty urban communities. We describe the process by which we (a) identified implementation challenges, (b) sustained a university-community collaboration to redesign the paraprofessional service model, and (c) assessed the feasibility of the new model involving four social service agencies in 16 schools with over 600 families. The structure and process of the collaboration and refinement are described with attention to who was best positioned to engage in the collaboration and how the partnership worked to balance scientific rigor with responsiveness to paraprofessional workforce strengths. Feasibility data indicated that the revised model was successfully implemented by paraprofessional staff; 92.2% of possible staff monthly reports were completed and discussion of key goals was incorporated into 94.2% of interactions. Continual monitoring provided critical feedback from stakeholders as we drew on and interpreted these various sources of information to build and refine the service model. We suggest that these processes are critical steps to bridge the research-to-practice gap, by promoting practices that are aligned with the needs of children and families, and the staff who serve them.

Challenges Faced by Leaders in Improving the Job Performance of Subordinates

The major purpose of this study was to determine challenges faced by leaders in improving the job performance of subordinates in academic libraries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The research design adopted for the study was a survey. The entire population which consisted of all the 74 professional and Para-professional staff working in the libraries studied also formed the sample size. Data collection was through questionnaire while analysis was done using frequency and means to answer the research question. It can be concluded that the major challenges leaders face in improving job performance of subordinates are that of subordinates not reporting to the leader who delegated authority, high expectations by subordinates from the leader and attitude of subordinates towards the leader. It is recommended among others that subordinates who are delegated to do something should be made to know from the beginning that they should report back to the leader. It is suggested that subsequent researchers can investigating other area such as; Perception of subordinates on the leadership styles adopted by management of various libraries.Keywords: leadership, job performance, subordinates, Port Harcourt,

Factors Affecting the Motivation of Library Paraprofessional Staff Working in University Libraries of Lahore: An Appraisal

The present study aims at exploring the degree of motivation and professional involvement in the libraries of the universities based in Lahore. The study is essentially quantitative in research involving survey research method for the data collection. The population of the study was paraprofessionals working in the central libraries of thirty-three HEC (Higher Education Commission, Pakistan) recognized public and private universities in Lahore. For the sake of convenience, a selected group of five respondents was constituted from the central library of each university. The available respondents in thirty three university libraries were eighty five. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a pre- developed scale MAWS (Motivation at Work Scale) by Gagne et al. (2010). The results proved that the introjections and inner motivational factors proved the key factors of motivation. Furthermore, the results proved that the library assistants had a higher degree level of motivation than those of library clerks. The employees receiving high salary were more motivated than those who were receiving comparatively low salary. Permanent job holders were more motivated than contract-based employees. Similarly, university sector also proved a factor of motivation. The findings of the study are significant to the administration of university libraries that they should consider these factors to keep their staff motivated and committed to their organization and at their workplace.

A Glaucoma-Specific Brief Motivational Interviewing Training Program for Ophthalmology Para-professionals: Assessment of Feasibility and Initial Patient Impact

ABSTRACTOur objective was to test the feasibility of, fidelity to, and initial impact of a brief, glaucoma-specific motivational interviewing (MI) training program for ophthalmic para-professionals. This prospective, mixed-methods study had two components, one for staff and one for patients. Staff fidelity to MI principles was graded through audio-recorded encounters after initial and final training sessions. After training, patients graded staff for adherence to autonomy supportive care. Semi-structured interviews with para-professionals elicited feedback about the training and about their ability to implement MI in the clinic. The impact on patient satisfaction with staff communication, eye drop instillation self-efficacy, and overall health activation was assessed using a survey pre- and post-training. Para-professionals met two of three program goals for MI skills and improved in their overall scores for MI fidelity. Para-professionals noted lack of time in the clinic as a significant barrier to implementing counseling. Patient satisfaction with staff communication increased after the training (p = 0.04) among patients who rated their staff above the mean for providing autonomy supportive care. The intervention did not improve patients’ eye drop instillation self-efficacy or overall health activation. Training para-professional staff in brief, glaucoma-specific MI techniques is feasible and may improve patient satisfaction, though dedicated time in clinic is needed to implement MI counseling into glaucoma practice.

IMPACT OF DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STYLE ON JOB PERFORMANCE OF SUBORDINATES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study focused on the influence of democratic leadership style on job performance of subordinates in academic libraries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The research design adopted for the study was a survey, while the 74 professional and para-professional staff working in the libraries studied were the respondents. Data collection was through questionnaire instrument titled “Democratic Leadership Style on Job Performance of Subordinates in Academic Libraries (DLSJPSAL)” made up of of five (5) item statements. Research question was answered using frequency counts, total score and means. Findings of the study revealed that democratic leadership style in academic libraries studied has positive influence on subordinates’ job performance because it results in high employees’ productivity. This style of leadership tends to have work groups that were very productive and subordinates showed a high degree of satisfaction on the job. Among others, the researchers recommended that heads of academic libraries should be encouraged to adopt democratic leadership style since it yields higher result in job performance of subordinates and consequently to users’ satisfaction with library services.

IMPACT OF AUTOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STYLE ON JOB PERFORMANCE OF SUBORDINATES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study focused on the impact of autocratic leadership style on job performance of subordinates in academic libraries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The research design was a survey. The respondents were the 74 professional and para-professional staff working in the libraries studied. Data collection was through questionnaire. instrument titled “Autocratic Leadership Style on Job Performance of Subordinates in Academic Libraries (ALSJPSAL)” consisting of five (5) item statements. Analysis was done using frequency and mean for the research question. Findings of the study revealed that autocratic leadership style tends to develop dependent and uncreative subordinates who are afraid to take up responsibility. Autocratic leadership style, however, shows a significant negative impact on employee performance. This style of leadership tended to have work groups that were less productive and subordinates showed a high degree of dissatisfaction on the job. Therefore, autocratic leaders tend to limit the performance of subordinates. It is recommended that autocratic leadership style may be very valuable in situations where decisions need to be made as quickly and decisively as possible. Since autocratic leadership style leads to job dissatisfaction of subordinates, library heads should be closely monitored by the parent institution to check their excesses.

Reducing Elopement in a Preschooler with Autism Using Differential Reinforcement

Elopement is a behavior that occurs in many children with autism spectrum disorder as well as other developmental disorders that often places them at risk of injury or death from traffic or drowning. A multiple baseline design across three targeted transitions was used in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of a differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) intervention implemented by the child’s classroom teacher and paraeducator during the school day. The behavioral skills training (BST) model was followed to train the classroom teacher and paraprofessional staff to implement DRI to eliminate the elopement of the preschool student with ASD. The BST model of training resulted in staff quickly acquiring the data collection and DRI skills and maintaining mastery of the procedures without further training. The student’s straying and elopement behaviors were eliminated across transitions as well as during the fading of reinforcement phase. The school staff reported a positive perception on the use of the DRI intervention.

Personalized behavior change program for glaucoma patients with poor adherence: a pilot interventional cohort study with a pre-post design

BackgroundAbout half of people with glaucoma do not adhere to their recommended medications. Interventions for other chronic conditions have successfully utilized reminder systems and motivational interviewing (MI)-based counseling. This study was designed to pilot a personalized intervention that leverages these strategies to assess their impact on medication adherence in glaucoma patients.MethodsGlaucoma patients taking ≥ 1 medication will be pre-screened by telephone survey for adherence to their medication(s). Those who self-report poor adherence will be enrolled in a 3-month monitoring period to measure medication adherence using electronic medication monitors. Participants who are non-adherent (take </=80% of their medication doses) over the 3-month run in phase will be eligible for the study. We plan to enroll 57 participants who are non-adherent to their medications. Participants’ adherence will then be continuously measured with electronic medication monitors, by self-report, and via pharmacy refill data over 2 years, during which two successively more resource-intensive components of an intervention aimed to improve medication adherence will be administered. The first component is a 3-month period of reminders (audio and/or visual) and text message or automated phone call if a dose of medication is not taken within a pre-specified time frame. The second component is a 6-month MI-based counseling program with a trained glaucoma counselor. This component uses the eyeGuide, a computer-based personalized behavior change program that enables para-professional staff to provide personalized education and counseling for glaucoma. The primary outcome is change in medication adherence. The secondary outcomes include changes in clinical outcomes (intraocular pressure, IOP, and IOP fluctuation) and psychosocial mediators of adherence (e.g., competence, energy for change and satisfaction). Participants will undergo semi-structured interviews at 12 months to give feedback about the counseling program in order to improve it.DiscussionThis pilot study will provide insight into ways to deliver more personalized health care to non-adherent glaucoma patients in order to better support them in managing their chronic disease.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03159247).

Factors influencing the development of attitudes towards men who sexually offend and the impact on their care and treatment: A systematic review of literature between 1985 and 2015

Abstract Background Research has investigated the attitudes of a range of professional and paraprofessional staff who are exposed to men who have sexually offended. The evidence emerging from this work suggests that many factors appear to have an effect on the attitudes that staff develop, including the number of years in their job, gender, or parental status. Objectives The aim of this review is to explore these factors to determine the influence they have on the attitudes of care staff and how these attitudes subsequently influence the care and treatment provided to men who sexually offend. Method An electronic search of seven bibliographic databases was conducted to identify primary research studies in addition to scanning reference lists of existing studies and contacting experts in the field. The search generated 13,987 hits. After scanning the titles and abstracts, 51 papers were subject to the exclusion criteria. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis process. Results A number of factors appear to be important when exploring the relationship between attitudes and the care and treatment provided to men who sexually offend. These include factors within the domains of cognitive, affective and behavioural attitudes. Conclusions The papers highlighted a range of factors that influence attitudes. These factors appear to influence the flavour of attitudes and the nature of attitudes is seen to be an influencing factor in terms of the quality of relationships between men who commit sexual offences and professional staff. However the definition of attitudes needs to be more carefully applied to empirical research. Results collected from the studies provide suggestions regarding the clinical implications.

Undergraduate Students Can Provide Satisfactory Chat Reference Service in an Academic Library

A Review of:&#x0D; Keyes, K., &amp; Dworak, E. (2017). Staffing chat reference with undergraduate student assistants at an academic library: A standards-based assessment. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 43(6), 469–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2017.09.001&#x0D; Abstract &#x0D; Objective – To determine whether undergraduate students can provide quality chat reference service.&#x0D; Design – Content analysis of undergraduate student, professional librarian, and paraprofessional staff responses in chat reference transcripts.&#x0D; Setting – Academic library.&#x0D; Subjects – 451 chat reference transcripts.&#x0D; Methods – Chat reference transcripts from May 2014–September 2016 were collected. Five categories of answerer were coded: librarian in the reference department (LibR), librarian from another department (LibNR), staff without a Master of Library Science (staff), staff with a Master of Library Science (+staff), and student employee (student). A random sample of 15% of each category of answerer was selected for analysis. The answerer categories were collapsed to librarians, staff, and students for the results section. &#x0D; Four criteria were used to code chat reference transcripts: difficulty of query, answerer behaviour, problems with transcript answer, and comments from coders. Coding for difficulty was based on the READ scale (Reference Effort Assessment Data). Answerer behaviour was based on The RUSA Guidelines (Reference and User Services Association). Behaviours assessed included: clarity, courtesy, grammar, greeting, instruction, referral, searching, sign off, sources, and whether patrons were asked if their question was answered. All coding was done independently between the two researchers, with very good interrater reliability. Data for variables with disagreement were removed from the analysis. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between variables. Analysis also included patrons’ ratings and comments about their chat experience. Content and tone were assessed for each patron comment.&#x0D; Main Results – Answerer behaviours showed a significant difference between groups for 3 of the 10 behaviours assessed: courtesy (p=0.031), grammar (p=0.001), and sources (0.041). The difference between groups for courtesy was: staff (88%), librarians (76%), and students (73%). Grammar was correct in most transcripts, but there was a significant difference between the answerer groups: librarians (98%), staff (90%), and students (73%). There was a significant difference between groups that offered sources: librarians (63.8%), staff (62.5%), and students (43.8%). &#x0D; There was no significant difference between the answerer groups for the other seven behaviours. Overall, 31% of transcripts showed that answerers asked if a patron’s query was answered or if they needed further help. The analysis showed that 79% of transcripts were coded as clear or free of jargon. Greetings were found in 65% of transcripts. Instruction was indicated in 59% of transcripts. Referrals were offered in 27% of all transcripts. Of the transcripts where searching was deemed necessary, 82% showed evidence of searching. A sign off was present in 56% of all transcripts. Transcripts with noted problems were deemed so because of lack of effort, being incomplete or incorrect, having no reference interview, or the answerer should have asked for help. There was no significant difference between answerer groups with respect to problem questions.&#x0D; Of the 24% of patrons who rated their chat experience, 90% rated it as good or great, and no significant difference was found between answerer groups. Question difficulty was coded 50% at level 0-2 (easier), 39% at level 3 (medium difficulty), and 11% at level 4-5 (more difficult).&#x0D; Conclusion – Undergraduate students are capable of providing chat reference that is similar in quality to that of librarians and staff. However, increased training is needed for students in the areas of referrals, providing sources, and signing off. Students do better than librarians and staff with greetings and are more courteous than librarians. There is room for improvement for staff and librarians offering chat services. Tiered chat reference service using undergraduates is a viable option.

Staffing Chat Reference with Undergraduate Student Assistants at an Academic Library: A Standards-Based Assessment

Academic libraries have long experimented with how to staff the reference desk. Recent trends at college and university libraries indicate a shift toward a tiered staffing model, relying on a mix of professional librarians, library paraprofessional staff and often graduate students when available. Fewer academic libraries employ undergraduate students to work at the reference desk. This paper examines the use of undergraduate library assistants specifically to staff chat reference services at an academic library. It analyzes chat transcripts for content and comparative quality between different types of answerers: professional librarians, paraprofessional staff, and undergraduate students. Our analysis of 451 chat reference transcripts determined that undergraduate students can indeed provide satisfactory chat reference services, comparable in quality and content to that of paraprofessional staff and professional librarians. The data suggests that having well-trained undergraduate students staff chat reference is a viable, and even desirable, option for academic libraries.

Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing to Implement Change

ABSTRACTAcademic medical libraries have responded to changes in technology, evolving professional roles, reduced budgets, and declining traditional services. Libraries that have taken a proactive role to change have seen their librarians emerge as collaborators and partners with faculty and researchers, while para-professional staff is increasingly overseeing traditional services. This article addresses shifting staff and schedules at a single-service-point information desk by using time-driven activity-based costing to determine the utilization of resources available to provide traditional library services. Opening hours and schedules were changed, allowing librarians to focus on patrons’ information needs in their own environment.

Exploring the factors affecting job satisfaction of paraprofessional staff working in University Libraries of Pakistan

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the factors affecting the job satisfaction level of paraprofessional staff working in Higher Education Commission (HEC)-recognized public and private sector university libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe study was quantitative in nature, and survey research method was used. The population of the study was paraprofessionals working in HEC-recognized public and private university central libraries of Lahore. Convenient sampling was used, and five respondents were selected from each university. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a pre-developed scale job satisfaction survey by Spector (1985).FindingsThe study reported that respondents were not dissatisfied with their jobs, and still they were standing between “Neutral” and “agree” with all statements of job satisfaction. The nature of job was identified as the most satisfied facet of job satisfaction. It was also observed that a significant difference of job satisfaction was found among respondents having different salary packages. The group with the highest salary was more satisfied than others. Job security proved the factor affecting job satisfaction, as there was significant difference of job satisfaction between permanent and contract-based employees. Permanent nature of job was a reason of satisfaction for the respondents. However, it is interesting that job satisfaction level of public and private sector paraprofessionals did not differ.Research limitations/implicationsFindings of the study clarify that the universities are required to redesign their job recruitment policies and to revise pay scales of paraprofessionals. Most importantly, a gap in communication was also found within organizations which could affect the level of job satisfaction among paraprofessionals. Universities should pay attention to maintain the two-way communication flow from top level management to lower level.Originality/valueThis is probably first study reported from Pakistan on the subject. The findings of the study will help universities to redesign their job recruitment policies and to revise pay scales of paraprofessionals. Most importantly, the findings suggest that universities should pay attention to maintain the two-way communication flow from top level management to lower level.