Knowledge on the Science, Technology and Society perspective of the teaching and administrative personnel applicable to the process management in universities

Abstract

Introduction: administrative personnel with a vision on Science, Technology and Society can influence universities functions through a social approach, the training, research and, extension process. Objective: to diagnose the level of knowledge on the Science, Technology and Society perspective of the administrative teaching personnel of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Method: a descriptive observational study was carried out in 2022 at the aforementioned university, where the population study consisted of 52 administrative personnel in teaching functions (N=52). A sample of 34 was selected by simple random sampling (n=34). A validated questionnaire was applied as an empirical method for data collection. Measurement scales were established for quantitative variables. Results: the diagnosis revealed a low level of knowledge on Science, Technology and Innovation definitions (85%, 69% and 44%, respectively). Most of the teaching and administrative personnel (53%) did not recognize the models that revealed the relationships between Science, Technology and Society and have in consideration that the University of Medicine is not positioned as a relevant actor in the local development. Forty-one percent reported that the Science, Technology and Society perspective almost always appears in the normative documents of the Ministerios de Educación Superior y de Salud Pública. Conclusions: there is evidence of insufficient knowledge on Science, Technology and Society and its use in the process management at universities. It is recommended to design related improvement actions on the subject.

Keywords

• ciencia, tecnología y sociedad
• política nacional de ciencia, tecnología e innovación
• personal administrativo
• procesos universitarios