Examining the reading proficiency of office workers

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if individuals in administrative support occupations are equipped with the necessary reading skills, including proofreading, verifying, and comprehending detail, needed to perform efficiently on the job. To address the problem of the study, the following specific research questions were answered:

1. What is the reading level of documents actually used by selected administrative support workers?

2. What level of proficiency do selected administrative support workers display in reading office documents?

3. Does reading proficiency differ for them by age, educational level, length of job experience, or by job level.

Participants were 60 administrative support workers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Participants completed tests to measure their performance on the three skills. Additionally, these individuals provided examples of reading they complete as part of their work.

Findings from the study are as follows:

1. The average reading level for all documents submitted was 11.6.

2. The mean for all participants on the total test was 53.15 with a minimum score of 40 and a maximum score of 58 out of a total of sixty points.

3. No significant differences were found in the reading proficiency level of participants according to age, educational level, length of job experience, or job title.

Based on the findings and conclusions in this study a number of implications for classroom instruction and further research are provided.