ON THE SECRETARIAL PROFESSION (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED BANKS IN ENUGU METROPOLIS) 

 

        

CHAPTER ONE

 

Introduction                                                                                      1

Background of the study                                                         1

1.1            Statement of problem                                                    5

1.2            Purpose of the Study                                                     6

1.3            Research Questions                                                       7

1.4            Significance of the study                                                         8

1.5            Delimitation of the study                                                         9

1.6            Definition of terms                                                                  10

CHAPTER TWO

Literature review                                                                     12

2.1            Perspective on Computer                                                        12

2.2            Computer and organizational output/productivity                  18

2.3            Computer and workload                                                         25

2.4            Computer and workers health                                       29

2.5            Computer and redundancy                                            30

2.6            Synthesis of literature                                                    39

CHAPTER THREE

Research methodology                                                            40

3.1            Area of Study                                                                40

3.2            Research design                                                             41

3.3            Population                                                                     41

3.4            Sample and sampling technique                                              42

3.5            Instrument for data collection                                        43

3.6            Method of gathering and Administering of data            43

3.7            Validation of research                                                    43

3.8            Method of data analysis                                                43

CHAPTER FOUR

Data presentation                                                                    44

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary of findings, conclusion,

And recommendation                                                              51

5.1            Summary of findings                                                     51

5.2            Conclusion                                                                     52

5.3            Recommendations                                                                   52

5.4            Suggestion topics for further research                                     54

5.5            Limitation                                                                      54

Bibliography                                                                           55

Questionnaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The degree to which computer is used in offices has been of serious concern to secretarial profession. This study investigated the impact of the introduction of the computer on the secretarial profession and how the secretarial react to the introduction of computer.

In order to arrive at a conclusive decision on the above objective, the researcher carried out a library research, interviews and questionnaires.

The populations of this study consisted of hundred secretaries in some selected banking institutions namely; First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Okpara Avenue, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Uwani and Abakpa Nike  Community Banking Limited. Questionnaire and Oral interview were used to collect data.

The statistical tools used are average and percentage. When the data was analyzed, it was found that secretaries do not react adversely to the introduction of computer in their offices, computer have created new skills for the secretary and have added some spices to their work. With the acquisition of such skills, secretaries are now seen as indispensable tool in the office, thus giving them good professional status. And it was recommended that secretaries should develop attitudes and learning skills that would enable them to take advantage of new opportunity.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

 

Today, the business world  is  undergoing  far-reaching

Technological revolution due to  the  advancement  in  science. For all types of organizations to  succeed  in  today’s  rapidly  changing environment, they  need  to  be  able  to  be  process  data   and information  effectively.

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In conducting them  day  to day  operations  organization  use  information  for  functions  such  as  planning, controlling, directing,  organizing  and  diction  making.   Information therefore  is  unique actionably  a critical  resources  in  the  operations  of  all  organization  the  business men,  secretaries, students and  in  fact  everybody, would now readily see the indelible impact of modern technology on people lives.

 

In an organization, information moves from person, forms are completed, filed and received and individuals communicate variety of both simple and complex concepts. At the turn of the century most written information were complied by hand in pen and ink copies were made by hand and communicated was by letter, telegraph or in person.  Today most of the tedious functions related to information handling and processing are done through the computer.

For the secretaries, not only have their equipment changed, but also their administrative processes office routine management systems are similarly evolving into new forms.  Computers have replaced manual typewriters and electric typewriter while for machines replaced telex machines.  There are also different type of advanced communication gadget such as cellular phones, pager etc.  With this radical change, the secretaries are expected to change and be able to keep up with all these professional changes around them.  In accordance with the law of motion CHANGE is a constant phenomena.  If we look at the beginning of man to the present day, we would see that there had been tremendous change. If there had not occurred, man would have remained primitive hill today.  Change is a challenge and if we abide by change, it brings out the best in us thereby leading to erroneous progress.

The first office automatic machine were introduced 1930 and used paper rolls later paper tape as a form of memory.  BY the 1960s the international business machine (IBM) had introduced the selective go If ball typewriter which allows the typist to change the print element, the go If – ball to provide a different type font (character design and sign) another break through was the introduction of IBM’s magnetic tape selective typewriter.  This was followed by the introduction of a visual display unit (VDU) this allows the typist to see what I happening to the text as if being tyed amended and stored, but before it I being committed to paper or printed out.  In fact, electronic systems are now possible that they can sense absorbs store, categorize ponder, very high quantity.  Yet with greater accuracy, speed and reliability.  Coventry, (1981) indicated that Recent development of the micro processor, founded on the silicon chips has potentials likely to have a vast social repercussion through out financial industry, for a simple chip take over a high proportion of today’s office job P.21.  When we refer to computer system, we refer to information and communication system which are necessary for the functioning of the office.  We assume that data processing and word-processing play a large role and also that human system under lie these technical systems.  In an ideal situation therefore, the technology and the people function together harmoniously.

It is important to recognize that development and implementation of the computer is moving through several overlapping phases, each affecting differently.

In general, a distinction can be made between two classes of office workers.  The first are the information worker they are those who are involved in the routine entry, recording, storage and transmission of information, those who fall under this group of worker include – Typist, secretaries, clerks and data entry personal.

 

The second group are the knowledge works-this group aconite of those worker who create, interpret, analyze and utilize this information these knowledge worker can be divided into two (2) groups professional/technical employees and managers.

The main impact of the computer is simply to facilitate office operation as they are now being carried out.  For example the word professor replace the secretary’s type writers, the mini-computer replaces the clerk’s filing cabinets etc.  More recently professionals and secretaries have begun using personal computers and sophisticated calculators to speed up their work.  The timing of there development has largely been dictated by the emergence of the technology starting with the widespread introduction of word processor’s in the 1970’s, and it in the late 1970s and its legitimating as a business tool in 1981, with the introduction of the IBM P.C.

 

1.2            STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Up to the 190’s the use of the computer in this country was limited to very few multinational companies.  The secretary then had to contend with using manual and electric typewriters in performing her word processing function.

Furthermore storage and retrieval of information was by use of files, filing cabinets, index cards etc.  Accessing of other information had to be through telephone directories and other relevant specialized text meant for such purpose.

Many of the secretaries of the 80’s are still in employment. With the advent and widespread use of the computer are then wonders how these secretaries are adjusting to be new devices now prevalent in modern offices are they finding it easy or difficult?  Is the profession generally under threat by the introduction of the computer and the Internet?  What can be done to keep the secretary still relevant in to day’s modern business setting?  These and many more are what this research aims to find solutions for.

 

1.3            PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to thoroughly investigate on the impact of the introduction of the computer on the secretaries.

1. How secretaries react or the attitude of secretaries towards the introduction of computers.
2. To ascertain whether the introduction of computer has in any way improve the secretary’s work.
3. To ascertain whether the introduction of computer has made it easy or difficult to adjust (especially the secretaries of the bank under investigation).
4. To determine the problems encountered by secretaries in trying to adapt to changes in the nature of their work.
5. To find out whether or not secretaries are involved in the planning and introduction of computers.

 

1.4            RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research provided answers to the following research questions;

1. How do secretaries react to the introduction of computer
2. What problems are encountered by secretaries in trying to adapt to changes in the nature of their work.
3. Are there orientation programmes in facilitating the adaptation to new changes of work
4. Are secretaries involved in the planning and introduction of computers.