Secretary vs. Secretariat: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Secretary is an individual who assists with administrative duties, while a Secretariat refers to an administrative office or department.
Key Differences
The Secretary is typically an individual responsible for administrative tasks such as managing schedules, correspondence, and record keeping. In contrast, a Secretariat is an administrative office, often part of a government or organization, handling bureaucratic tasks.
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Dec 07, 2023
Secretaries often work directly with executives or managers, providing personal administrative support. The Secretariat, however, functions as a collective administrative body, managing broader organizational functions.
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Dec 07, 2023
The role of a Secretary can vary greatly, ranging from basic clerical work to high-level executive support. A Secretariat, on the other hand, is a more structured entity, often comprising multiple staff and departments.
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Dec 07, 2023
In many organizations, Secretaries are essential for efficient daily operations, handling communication and organizational tasks. Secretariats, conversely, deal with policy implementation, coordination of activities, and overall administrative management.
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While the Secretary often represents and supports an individual or a small team, a Secretariat represents the administrative backbone of an entire organization or government department.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person employed to handle correspondence, keep records, and conduct various administrative tasks.
An administrative office or department, especially one in a governmental or international organization.
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Function
Responsible for individual administrative tasks, clerical work, and assisting in the management of an organization.
Functions as an administrative system or a department that manages the overall administrative tasks of an organization.
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Scope of Work
Limited to tasks assigned by an individual or a small group, like scheduling meetings, taking notes, and handling correspondence.
Broader in scope, encompassing the entire administration of an organization, including policy implementation, coordination, and support services.
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Position
A job title for an individual.
Refers to an entire office or a collective administrative unit.
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Secretary and Secretariat Definitions
Secretary
A person employed to handle clerical tasks and office management.
The Secretary meticulously maintained all the meeting records.
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Secretariat
An office responsible for managing affairs of a government department or agency.
The Secretariat oversaw the implementation of the new policy.
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Secretary
An executive role in some organizations, often part of the senior management.
As the company Secretary, she played a key role in policy-making.
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Secretariat
A team or department tasked with executive administrative duties.
The Secretariat ensured efficient communication between various departments.
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Secretary
A clerical officer in a company or organization.
The Secretary prepared the agenda for the board meeting.
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Secretariat
An administrative office or department within an organization.
The UN Secretariat is responsible for the organization's day-to-day operations.
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Secretary
An individual responsible for administrative support and managing correspondence.
The Secretary efficiently organized the CEO's busy schedule.
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Secretariat
A collective body providing bureaucratic support to an organization.
The Secretariat handled all the logistical arrangements for the conference.
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Secretary
An assistant who manages appointments and communications for a manager.
The Secretary skillfully coordinated the executive's travel plans.
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Secretariat
The administrative hub of an international organization.
The WHO Secretariat coordinated the global health initiatives.
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Secretary
A person employed to handle correspondence, keep files, and do clerical work for another person or an organization.
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Oct 19, 2023
Secretariat
The department administered by a governmental secretary, especially for an international organization.
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Secretary
An officer who keeps records, takes minutes of the meetings, and answers correspondence, as for a company.
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Secretary
An official who presides over an administrative department of state.
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Secretariat
(Roman Catholicism) A kind of dicastery within the Roman Curia.
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Secretary
(obsolete) Someone employed as a scribe for personal correspondence.
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Secretariat
The office of a secretary; the place where a secretary transacts business, keeps records, etc.
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Secretary
A person who keeps records, takes notes and handles general clerical work.
I have a personal secretary to help me organize my clients.
The secretary at the school is in charge of communication between parents, students, and staff.
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Oct 19, 2023
Secretariat
An administrative unit responsible for maintaining records and other secretarial duties; especially for international organizations
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Secretary
A managerial or leading position in certain non-profit organizations, such as political parties, trade unions, international organizations.
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Secretary
A secretary bird, a bird of the species Sagittarius serpentarius.
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Secretary
A person employed to write orders, letters, dispatches, public or private papers, records, and the like; an official scribe, amanuensis, or writer; one who attends to correspondence, and transacts other business, for an association, a public body, or an individual.
That which is most of all profitable is acquaintance with the secretaries, and employed men of ambassadors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Secretary
An officer of state whose business is to superintend and manage the affairs of a particular department of government, and who is usually a member of the cabinet or advisory council of the chief executive; as, the secretary of state, who conducts the correspondence and attends to the relations of a government with foreign courts; the secretary of the treasury, who manages the department of finance; the secretary of war, etc.
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Secretary
A piece of furniture, with conveniences for writing and for the arrangement of papers; an escritoire.
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Secretary
A person who is head of an administrative department of government
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Secretary
An assistant who handles correspondence and clerical work for a boss or an organization
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the function of a Secretariat?
A Secretariat functions as an administrative office, managing bureaucratic tasks and policy implementation.
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Dec 07, 2023
What are the key responsibilities of a Secretary?
A Secretary handles administrative tasks like managing schedules and correspondence.
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Dec 07, 2023
What types of organizations have a Secretariat?
Government departments, agencies, and international organizations often have a Secretariat.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can a Secretary work for a government official?
Yes, Secretaries can work for government officials, handling their personal administrative needs.
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Dec 07, 2023
Is the role of a Secretary limited to clerical tasks?
No, a Secretary's role can range from basic clerical work to high-level executive support.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can a Secretary have executive roles?
Yes, in some organizations, a Secretary can be part of senior management.
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Dec 07, 2023
What is the main difference between a Secretary and a Secretariat?
A Secretary is an individual handling administrative tasks, while a Secretariat is an administrative office or department.
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Dec 07, 2023
What skills are important for a Secretary?
Skills like organization, communication, and time management are important for a Secretary.
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Dec 07, 2023
What kind of tasks does a Secretariat manage?
A Secretariat manages tasks like policy coordination, administrative management, and organizational activities.
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Does a Secretariat involve multiple staff members?
Yes, a Secretariat typically comprises multiple staff and can include various departments.
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Can a Secretariat influence organizational policy?
Yes, a Secretariat can play a role in shaping and implementing organizational policies.
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Is a Secretariat specific to certain industries?
No, Secretariats are found in various industries, including government, non-profits, and international organizations.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can a Secretary have decision-making powers?
In some cases, especially in executive roles, a Secretary may have decision-making powers.
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Is technology proficiency important for a Secretary?
Yes, proficiency in technology is increasingly important for a Secretary's role.
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Is a Secretary always part of a large organization?
No, Secretaries can work in organizations of any size, from small businesses to large corporations.
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What kind of educational background is typical for a Secretary?
Secretaries often have education in business administration or related fields.
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Dec 07, 2023
How does a Secretariat contribute to an organization?
A Secretariat contributes by ensuring effective administration and coordination within an organization.
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Dec 07, 2023
Can a Secretary handle confidential information?
Yes, Secretaries often handle confidential information and sensitive documents.
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Is the role of a Secretary important in an organization?
Yes, Secretaries play a crucial role in the efficient operation of an organization.
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Dec 07, 2023
Does a Secretariat interact with external entities?
Yes, a Secretariat often interacts with external entities for coordination and communication.
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Dec 07, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
