generalist verses specialist

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Generalist verses Specialist which position is more valuable? May Faulk

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Page 1: Generalist verses Specialist

Generalist verses Specialist which position is more valuable?

May Faulk

Page 2: Generalist verses Specialist

What is a generalist compared to a specialist?

Generalist

“ a person whose knowledge, aptitudes, and skills are applied to a field as a whole or to a variety of different fields”

(opposed to specialist).

Specialist

“a person who devotes himself or herself to one subject or to one particular branch of a subject or pursuit”

Reference: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/generalist/specialist

Page 3: Generalist verses Specialist

In today’s competitive society organizational learning or the ability to acquire new knowledge by adapting and integrating previous knowledge learned into fitting the mission of your organization is highly sought commodity. This ability allows companies to expand and modify their capabilities while preventing rigidity in the work force (Kang &Snell, 2008).

According to Meadow and Soden (1988) because so many generalist duties are now imposed on conservation wardens the specialized knowledge that distinguished them whether it was knowing fish, wildlife or natural resources could be jeopardized to accomplish additional jobs duties (Cited in Shelley & Crow, 2009).

Can everyone adapt? Can specialists become generalist for their job and is it necessary?

Generalists verses Specialists

Page 4: Generalist verses Specialist

Two types of knowledge and how each is acquired

Generalists Multi-skilled Able to be adapt across

curriculums Acquire less deep

knowledge of topics When searching for

information they integrate different disciplines having a broad focus

Open to new problem solving methods using a variety of tools

Specialist • Domain specific• Deeper knowledge • More localized • When searching for

information they learn deeper knowledge in a narrow field within specific areas.

• They focused on proven methods used previously less willing to improvise.

Reference: Kang & Snell, 2008

Page 5: Generalist verses Specialist

County---Broome County Parks in NY –

Commissioner Bob Faicco

State--Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks, NY Park Manager Mike Boyle

Federal ---Women’s Rights Park in Seneca Falls, NY--Human Resources Gene Freeze

Local---Camillus Park System in NY –

Director Eric Bacon

Interviewed management officials from four different parks

Page 6: Generalist verses Specialist

SymbolsCamillus Park SystemWoman’s Rights Museum Broome County ParksChenango Valley State Park

Page 7: Generalist verses Specialist

Please indicate which positions requires generalists and which require specialists.

How many specialists’ verses generalists’ positions are in your park?

In regard to yearly budgetary considerations is more money set aside for generalists’ or specialists’ positions?

How much of an increase in staff numbers occur during the summer season and is this your busiest season?

Does the park depend on volunteer labor during the summer months or other times of the year? Is there a local volunteer ‘Friends’ group? If so, what are they called?

Questions asked

Page 8: Generalist verses Specialist

Do you have Americore positions or Student Conservation Association (SCA)?

How do you utilize the special talents of your generalists; for example, if a person has historical background or specialized skills in maintenance can they apply them on the job?

Do your specialist positions require a civil service exam or is a higher education degree such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in history more relevant for the position?

More Question?

Page 9: Generalist verses Specialist

Broome County Park System

Dorchester Park Veteran’s Arena

Forum theater

Page 10: Generalist verses Specialist

Began as the Water Specialist as a teenager Studied Outdoor Recreation in

college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

Worked in multiple parks for more than 20 years

“Parks formerly had more specialists such as a Park Designer, Architect and Arborist with continuous loss of funding in the last 15 years only money for multi-projects so need generalists.” Bob Fiacco

Less likely to utilize skills of generalist unless it involves maintenance skill.

Broome County ParksCommissioner Bob Fiacco

Page 11: Generalist verses Specialist

9 County parks

Greenwood, Dorchester, Nathaniel Cole, Hawkins Pond, Grippen, Otsiningo, Round Top, Bagsai, and Aqua-Terra

1 Nature Center

1 Arena -Veterans

1 Golf Course

1 Forum theater

Employees 35 permanent and many seasonal staff

Look familiar

Emeraldville Park Study

Broome County Park System

Page 12: Generalist verses Specialist

Specialists 2 Environmental Educators

Seasonal lifeguards

2 Golf pro’s

1 Park Operations Manager

Arena ---need Business degrees and Recreation degrees

1 Manager

1 Assistant Manager

1 Assistant Recreation Facility Manager

1 Box Office Manager

1 Assistant Box Office Manager

Generalists 6 Park Managers and

Assistants (college degrees or extensive experience)

Maintenance & Construction many during high season May-Sept.

Generalists with specialists skill in electricity & plumbing

Most employees can do all work necessary from making building to cutting grass

Most seasonal staff maintenance

Arena --Custodial staff

Arena--Ushers arena

Page 13: Generalist verses Specialist

Chenango Valley State Park

http://www.nysparks.com/parks/41/details.aspx

Amenities 185 campsites24 cabins 1 golf course2 Lakes and swimming 1 Nature center 1 boat house

Page 14: Generalist verses Specialist

Degree in Recreation from SUNY Oswego worked in New York State Parks for more than 15 years.

Assistant Manager at two state parks

Rockefeller—Palisades region

Jones Beach—Long Island

“Park Managers must have people skills (communication) and high scores on civil service test not necessarily best person for the job.” Mike Boyle

“Each park has hierarchy system and specific job needs; for example, historic parks may need more specialist like historians and CVSP may need more generalists like maintenance.” Mike Boyle

Chenango Valley State Park(CVSP) Manager Mike Boyle

Page 15: Generalist verses Specialist

Specialists Generalists

8 Seasonal lifeguards

1 Head lifeguard

1 Recreation specialist

2 Golf pro’s

2 Rangers security

1 Park Manager

1 Assistant Manager

12 Maintenance

6 Seasonal staff

Utilize talents of generalists with specialist skills

Carpenter

Also use volunteer groups Friends of (CVSP) need to meet state regulation standards for chainsaw use to help remove debris or work on trails.

Boy Scouts and parents.

Complete Eagle Scout projects such as fishing line boxes.

ESF in Syracuse with science projects or interns

Page 16: Generalist verses Specialist

Started as a seasonal employee in maintenance division.

Earned Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting

Working on MS in Human Resources

8 years on the job

Federal Park Women’s Rights National Historic Park

Human Resources Gene Freeze

Source: www.nps.gov/wori/index.htm

Page 17: Generalist verses Specialist

Almost equal amount of generalists and specialists

Specialists 4 seasonal interpreters of

history (SUNY) Cortland students

1 Cultural Resource Historian

1 Chief Division Specialist

Generalists 1 Human Resources and

accounting

3 Maintenance

2 additional seasonal maintenance

Budget

Generalists

specialists

Page 18: Generalist verses Specialist

During slow season there are part time employees in interpretation as well as maintenance thus both generalists and specialists are equally employed.

During the busy season staff doubles in number to approximately 20 people.

To include Americore and SCA interns if available

• Two Friends of WRNHP volunteer groups (local and national chapters) help with special events, Facebook, twitter and as needed during the year using their talents in specialization such as advertising etc.

Also a volunteer with specialization skills in historic preservation utilized.

Women’s Rights National Historic Park(WRNHP)

Page 19: Generalist verses Specialist

Local Parks Camillus Park System

Director Eric BaconEarned Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from SUNY Cortland

Worked for park system since graduation or 10 years and is Director of 8 parks: Bicentennial, Camillus, Erie Canal , Munro, Reed Webster, Veteran’s Memorial, and Scenic Warner’s Park.

Source: http://townofcamillus.com/default.aspx?PageID=638

Amenities:1 pool1 ice skating rink 1 senior center1 Octagon HouseSmall lake

Page 20: Generalist verses Specialist

Camillus Park System

There are eight parks and over 850 acres of parkland maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department. These following facilities offer amenities such as playgrounds, picnic pavilions, ball fields, swimming, ice skating, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and summer youth programs.

Erie Canal Park Veteran’s Memorial Park

Page 21: Generalist verses Specialist

Specialists 25 Lifeguards for pools and lake

Programs instructors varies

Karate

Tae kwon Do

Kickboxing

Fitness

Zumba

Seasonal camp staff

Percent of money for program goes to park revenue

1 Zamboni Operator for ice rink

Generalists

Park Managers

Assistant managers

maintenance

12 seasonal staff for ice rink

Summer seasonal staff

No Americore or SCA

Friends groups for the Octagon House more than a hundred.

Camillus Canal Society

Budget

Generalists

specialists

Page 22: Generalist verses Specialist

The human resource position is changing to focus hiring fewer specialists and more generalists who have the ability to actively play a role in the strategic mission of the organization (GOA, para 3, 2003).

According to the General Accounting Office (GAO)

Page 23: Generalist verses Specialist

Federal Human Capital Workforce: Percentage of Generalists and Specialists

Page 24: Generalist verses Specialist

Commission Brian McLane statement

“The most valuable employee is a specialist with 2 or 3 other skill types that can be a benefit to the company.”

Page 25: Generalist verses Specialist

In Conclusion:

Napoleon Hill stated

“Everyone enjoys doing the kind of work for which he is best suited.”

Source: Power and Performance(2003)

Which position is the best?

Page 26: Generalist verses Specialist

Resources

Bacon, E. (2/29/2012). Personal communication.

Boyle, M.(3/21/2012). Personal communication

Broome County Parks (2011). Retrieved on April 1, 2012 from

Chenango Valley State Park. (2011). Home. Retrieved on March 10, 2101 from http://www.nysparks.com/parks/41/details.aspx

Fiaco, B. ((3/15/2012). Personal communication

Freeze.G. (3/26/2012). Personal communication

GAO (2003). Human capital selected agency actions to integrate human capital approaches to attain mission. GAOReport. 03-446.

http://www.gao.gov/assets/240/237790.pdf

Kang, S., C. & Scott., A. S. (January , 2009). Intellectual capitol architectures and ambidextrous learning: A framework for human resource management. Journal of Management Studies. 46(1), 65-92.

Page 27: Generalist verses Specialist

McLane,B. (2/23/12). Personal communicationNapolean H. (2002-2003). Power and Performance.Motivational and inspirational quotes. Retrieved on April 10, 2012 from http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?startrow=11&categoryid=72New York map image. Retrieved on March 29, 2012 from http://images.search.yahoo.comShelley, T., O.& Crow, M., S. (2009). The nature and extent of conservation policing: Law enforcement generalists or conservation specialists? American Journal of Crime Justice. 34, 9-27.Town of Camillus. Parks and Recreation. Retrieved on March 29, 2012 from http://www. camillus.com/Woman’s Rights National Monument. (2011). Home. Retrieved on April 4, 2011 from