Knowledge and Skills Required by Public Servants in a Fast‑changing World of Work.

Abstract

This article explores scholarly literature and international standards in respect of curricula on Public Administration in order to determine what skills and knowledge students should have in order to function adequately in a fast-changing world and work environment. Since it is the responsibility of inter alia, universities to prepare students for their future work environment, it is essential that the curricula used remain relevant concerning changing needs and expectations. Consequently, it is the aim of this article to determine what skills and knowledge should be included in Public Administration curricula to prepare students adequately for a fast-changing world and work environment. Based on an assessment of literature and international standards; this article determines that current curricula on Public Administration probably do not provide students with sufficient skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of a fast-changing world and work environment. The outcomes indicate that communication skills, collaborative skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people in multinational and international teams are becoming increasingly important. This study contributes to the development of initiatives relating to Public Administration curricula to assist students and public servants to be successful in their work environment.