CLEP Marketing Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Achieve Top Scores!

In the context of buying influence, an administrative assistant or secretary typically acts as a gatekeeper. Their role is crucial in managing access to key decision-makers within an organization. Gatekeepers control the flow of information and communication, determining who gets to meet or speak with senior executives or other influential figures in the purchasing process.

Administrative assistants or secretaries often handle scheduling, prioritizing inquiries, and filtering requests based on their understanding of the company's needs and the executives' interests. This control over access positions them to significantly influence which vendors, suppliers, or information sources the decision-makers will engage with, making them a vital part of the buying process.

The other options—such as a senior management executive, finance officer, or market analyst—play different roles. Senior management executives are typically the final decision-makers, finance officers handle budgetary concerns, and market analysts provide data and insights but are not directly involved in controlling access or communication in the buying process. Thus, the nature of the gatekeeper's role aligns most closely with that of an administrative assistant or secretary.