TTC Series 100

Origins and formation of political systems; history and theory of government; constitutional government and representative democracy; comparative government systems; government organization and functioning; legal premises and foundations of government; principles of organizing and administration, exploration of how local government works; flow of decision making; the differences between government and private sector organizations; policy making and implementation process; citizen participation in local government decision making; future trends; intergovernmental relations and operations.

History of the Municipal Clerk profession; elements of professionalism; inter-related clerk roles and functions; basic clerk terminology and functions; basic training and information on the intricate details of the responsibilities of the clerk office; focus on subjects such as record keeping, contracts, research methods, information and training of proper procedures for conducting public meetings in compliance with parliamentary procedures, the Brown Act and other legal requirements; organizational rules and procedures.

History of organizations; models of contemporary organization; principles and practices of organizing, organization structure, function, and operation; theories and models of management and administration; management and leadership styles; managing personnel and/or financial resources; policy-making and implementation in organizations; organizational development and change.

Personality and behavior theory; group dynamics; problem analysis; study of personal power and influence; use of exercises to learn about personal relationships within work groups; awareness of behaviors which support core values; understanding and managing conflict; power and influence in organizations.

Introduction to principles of effective communication to achieve positive customer relations; learn and practice communication tools to achieve successful interactions with colleagues and the public; tools to defuse difficult situations and to increase awareness of the professional benefits of good customer relations; techniques to increase confidence, practicing presentation skills; effective and successful presentation influence of words, tone and body language; determination of group goals and techniques of group presentations.

Introduction to ethics, moral and values; values, beliefs and behavior; personal ethics as a public official and manager; building trust in government; typical ethical problems facing municipal clerks; legal guides to ethical behavior at work; sexual harassment law and behavior; practical solutions for ethical challenges.