An Investigation Into Information Technology Skills Required Of Graduate Secretaries For Effective Job Performance In The Civil Service Of Imo State (A Study Of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary)

An Investigation Into Information Technology Skills Required Of Graduate Secretaries For Effective Job Performance In The Civil Service Of Imo State (A Study Of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary)
Abstract
This study was carried out to examine information technology skills required of graduate secretaries for effective job performance in the civil service of Imo State (a study of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary). The study was carried out to determine the importance of information technology skills to graduate secretaries in civil service of Imo State, determine whether acquiring information technology skills by graduate secretaries in civil service enhances their job performance, identify the information technology skills that enable graduate secretaries in civil service to function optimally, and identify the challenges encountered by graduate secretaries in civil service in acquiring the necessary information technology skills. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of graduate secretaries in the civil service of Imo State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 41 respondents and 35 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. While the hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that information technology skills by secretaries in organizations enhances their job performance. The study also revealed that the challenges encountered by secretaries in acquiring the necessary information technology skills includes: lack of training schemes, lack of competent trainers, constant computer innovations, unavailability of computers, inadequate maintenance of office computers. Therefore, it is recommended that secretaries should embark on computer training courses, seminars, workshops both for existing and prospective secretaries at regular intervals to keep in pace with the current wave in this technologically changing world. To mention but a few.
Table of Content
- Title Page
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Tables
- Abstract
Chapter One:
Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objective of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypothesis
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitation of the Study
- 1.9 Definition of Terms
- 1.10 Organisations of the Study
Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework
- 2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Population of the Study
- 3.3 Sample Size Determination
- 3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
- 3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Validity of the Study
- 3.9 Reliability of the Study
- 3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
- 4.1 Data Presentation
- 4.2 Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Answering Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
- 5.1 Summary
- 5.2 Conclusion
- 5.3 Recommendation
- References
- APPENDIX
- QUESTIONNAIRE
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
On the early days the secretarial profession was limited to typing, writing and transcribing of shorthand only. But today, it is far beyond this, it involved functions as sorting and retrieving of information passing on information and so on with the help of manual electronic equipment. A secretary assistance to an executive, possessing mastery of office skills and ability to assume responsibilities without direct supervision who display initiative, exercises judgment and makes decision within the scope of his/her authority. The secretary also handles more office jobs, makes and takes decision on behalf of his/her organization. But because of the aforementioned about information communication technology, there are controversies about the future of the secretary in information communication technology.
The term information communication technology was first widely employed in 1981 to describe the equipment and system, which were being introduced in both private and public sectors, to create, store and distribute information since, then, the term has abbreviated to (I.C.T.).
The key feature of modern technology is its ability to deal with information in one form or the other. Trend has been towards using ways of interconnecting the various types of equipments so as to integrate their functions and manage them effectively. Underpinning the definition of “ICT” lies on the modern which provides a helpful explanation of the way in which computers process information.
Information communication technology as the broadly based technology needed to support information systems, which many people today refers to as computer equipment, which aids to increase profit margin and enhance planning, and organization by the use of very fast, accurate and flexible devices in the business society. Efficiency in offices many people believe, is a vital factor in the well being of an organization as it can affect productivity.
1.2 Statement of the Problems
Technology has brought a lot of change in the globe today. However, one of the major problems facing many organizations are the increasing need and cost of securing ICT equipment and skills that could aid secretaries to perform their duties more effectively efficiently and be result oriented. It is also factual that most of the secretaries find it difficult to be dynamic in skill acquisition and new knowledge to handle these fast changing equipment.
The cost of training and retraining of secretarial staff is on the increase in both public and private sector. Another problematic issue which the researcher intends findings out is the effects which lack of modern ICT skills have created on secretaries duties. Sometime, the organization finds it difficult to procure some of the modern machines as result of easy damage or lack of availability of spare parts to put them in order.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study is to examine information technology skills required of graduate secretaries for effective job performance in the civil service of Imo State. Specifically, the study will be guided by the following;
- Determine the importance of information technology skills to graduate secretaries in civil service of Imo State.
- Determine whether acquiring information technology skills by graduate secretaries in civil service enhances their job performance.
- Identify the information technology skills that enable graduate secretaries in civil service to function optimally.
- To identify the challenges encountered by graduate secretaries in civil service in acquiring the necessary information technology skills.
1.4 Research Questions
- How important are information technology skills to graduate secretaries in civil service of Imo State?
- Does acquiring information technology skills by graduate secretaries in civil service enhances their job performance?
- What are the information technology skills that enable graduate secretaries in civil service to function optimally?
- What are the challenges encountered by graduate secretaries in civil service in acquiring the necessary information technology skills.
1.5 Research Hypothesis
- Ho: The possession of information technology skills does not enhance graduate secretaries job performance in the civil service of Imo State.
- Ha: The possession of information technology skills enhances graduate secretaries job performance in the civil service of Imo State.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study has risen from the researcher’s realization of the importance of information technology skills in order to enhance effective job performance by secretaries in Imo State civil service system i.e the researcher also realized the prospects of a secretary in the information communication technology. This research work will be valuable assets to government policy makers on privatization and contributing to the successful up-lifting of secretaries in information communication technology.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study boarders on information technology skills required of graduate secretaries for effective job performance in the civil service of Imo State. The study will be carried out in Owerri Municipal Council Secretary.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Information Technology
Information technology is a tool that comprises electronic devices which are utilized for the information and communication needs of institutions, organizations
Skills
A skill is the learned ability to perform an action with determined results with good execution often within a given amount of time, energy, or both. Skills can often be divided into domain-general and domain-specific skills.
1.10 Organization of the Studies
The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on information technology skills required of graduate secretaries for effective job performance in the civil service of Imo State (a study of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary). The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
5.2 Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on information technology skills required of graduate secretaries for effective job performance in the civil service of Imo State (a study of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary). The study is was specifically carried out to determine the importance of information technology skills to graduate secretaries in civil service of Imo State, determine whether acquiring information technology skills by graduate secretaries in civil service enhances their job performance, identify the information technology skills that enable graduate secretaries in civil service to function optimally, and identify the challenges encountered by graduate secretaries in civil service in acquiring the necessary information technology skills.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 35 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent were graduate secretaries in the civil service of Imo State.
5.3 Conclusions
Based on the findings of this study, the researcher concluded that;
- The information technology skills needed by office managers in organizations is very important.
- Information technology skills by secretaries in organizations enhances their job performance.
- The information technology skills that enable secretaries to function optimally in organizations includes: documentation design skill, internet skills, word processing skills, exile skills, record management skills.
- The challenges encountered by secretaries in acquiring the necessary information technology skills includes: lack of training schemes, lack of competent trainers, constant computer innovations, unavailability of computers, inadequate maintenance of office computers.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.
- Secretaries should embark on computer training courses, seminars, workshops both for existing and prospective secretaries at regular intervals to keep in pace with the current wave in this technologically changing world.
- Employers of labour should engage secretaries that are vast with technology competencies and skills in order to achieve administrative effectiveness in the organization.
- Secretaries should be enthusiastic to acquire appropriate skill in desktop publishing and spreadsheet among other ICT skills that can improve their job performance and retention.


The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps
Quick & Simple…
![]()
Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦5,000 to the Account Below
![]() | Acc No: 0811003731 |
| Samphina Academy | |
| Current Account |
Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card
| FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA | |
| CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15) | |
| FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100) | |
![]() | MTN MoMo |
| 0553978005 | |
| Douglas Osabutey | |
![]()
Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment
- Payment Details
- TOPIC: An Investigation Into Information Technology Skills Required Of Graduate Secretaries For Effective Job Performance In The Civil Service Of Imo State (A Study Of Owerri Municipal Council Secretary)
The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply
Students Review
List of Related Works
Internal Control System In The Civil Service: A Case Study Of Federal Ministry Of Finance Enugu
The Effect Of Federal Character Syndrome On Recruitment Tool In The Federal Civil Service
The Impact Of Recruitment Method On Nigerian Civil Service
Wages And Salary Administration In Nigeria Civil Service Problems And Prospect
Automated Civil Service Employee Record Management System
The Effect Of Recruitment Method On Anambra State Civil Service Commission 2005-2016
Retirement Of Personnel In Nigerian Civil Service; A Strategy In Employment Generation
An Assessment Of Manpower Development In Ondo State Civil Service
Evaluation Of The Linkage Between Civil Service Reform And Human Resources Development In Nigeria
Delegation Of Authority As A Tool For Management In Enugu State Civil Service
Accounting For Pension And Gratuity In Public Sector (A Case Study Of Enugu State Civil Service)
School Teamwork Policy And Teacher’s Job Performance In Public Secondary Schools
Effect Of Remuneration On Employee Job Performances In Otukpo Local Government, Benue State
Management Skills Needed By Modern Secretaries For Successful Job Performance
Transformational Leadership Style And Employee’s Job Performance In Food And Beverage Industry
Family Stress, Health And Job Performance Of Married Working Women
Principals’ Leadership Styles And Secondary School Teachers’ Job Performance In Education
Home Factors As Correlates Of Academic Staff Job Performance
Factors Influencing The Job Performance Of OTM Graduates In Selected Organizations
Motivational Techniques In The Public Service And Their Effects On Job Performance Of Public Servant
Industrial Action And Workers Performance In Lagos State Inland Revenue Services (2019–2024)
The Effect Of Poor Environment On The Secretary’s Job Performance
The Effect Of Stress On Employee’s Job Performance In Selected Organization
Comprehensive System For A URL Shortening Web Application With Analytics
The Impact Of Information Technology On The Performance Of Commercial Bank In Nigeria
The Relevance Of Information Technology (IT) In E-Business Process
Impact Of Information Technology In Banking Industry (A Case Study Of Skye Bank)
Design And Implementation Of Club Side Management Information Technology System
Effect Of Globalization Of Information Technology On Office Services In Nigeria
Information Technology And Revenue Generation Management (A Study Of KWIRS)
Proposal Of Intelligent Transportation Systems In Kaduna State Metropolitan
Data Privacy Violation In The Digital Age: Challenges Of Enforcement In Nigeria
The Role Of Cybersecurity In Combating Online Fraud In Nigeria: A Legal Perspective
Investigating The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Enhancing Project Risk Management Strategies
The Impact Of Mobile Computing On The Evolution Of E-Health Services – General Hospital Kubwa, Abuja
Evaluating The Socio-Technical Impact On Organizational Information Security Policy Management
Frequently Asked Questions
How does technology affect the role of secretarial professionals?
Respondents suggest that modern technology in the office facilitates seamless transmission of information and significantly reduces time spent on performing key secretarial responsibilities such as editing, proof-reading, and reproduction of documents.
How effective is the Secretary in every business organization?
The efficiency and effectiveness of the secretary in every business organization depends on the availability of office technologies as well as the skills and competencies of the secretary (Ordu&Akpomi 2009).
How to increase the productivity of your secretary?
It was recommended that for organizations to survive and to increase productivity, they should provide their secretaries with adequate modern technology/equipment and training in order to enhance their skills and competencies and fit them into the current trend of technological advancement.
What is the role of a professional secretary?
The secretary is the pivot of any efficient and dynamic organization and their effective performance depend upon the office equipment, knowledge and skills of the professional secretary (Mumuni& Sam 2014).
What technology is used in the work of Professional Secretary?
With this advancement of technology, the use of the computer and software programmes facilitates the work of. the professional secretary. These include the use of machines such as printer, fax, pen drive, cell phones, photo. copier, telex and internet.
How has technology changed the role of an administrative assistant?
The workplace has experienced a boom in technology usage over the last decade, and administrative professionals have had to expand their skills to keep up. The roles of administrative assistants have evolved from conquering spreadsheets and memos to include areas such as accounting, payroll and HR applications.
What is the difference between traditional secretary and modern Secretary?
The skill level and functioning of the traditional secretary involve greater physical and mental ability. The introduction of modern technologies and programmes has lessened the onerous tasks for the modern secretary. These range from production, reproduction, storage and retrieval among others.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Technology in the workplace?
Although technology was supposed to make employees lives easier, new technology can mean more work – more work to be done in the same number of working hours. Technology has both advantage and disadvantages. For a company to implement new technology at work would bring efficiency and cost effectiveness, there fore leading to less human based task.
What does a secretary do in an organization?
A secretary makes sure that everyone knows when a certain meeting is held. They also make sure that everyone is at the meeting. They also type up important dates for the organization or business.
What does it mean to be a good Secretary?
This article has been viewed 191,738 times. Being a good secretary means being prepared, efficient, and well organized. By improving and perfecting your communication and organization skills, you can become an expert secretary and an indispensable part of a team, making your employment more engaging, secure, and enjoyable.
What are some tips for being an effective secretary?
Tips for Being Effective. A secretary who is assigned to one executive represents that executive to the public. Get to know your boss’s key contacts and use their names when they call or come into the office. Improve your computer skills, especially with basic Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint,…
What does a modern-day Secretary do?
A modern-day secretary does more than just answer the phone, process paperwork and greet visitors. She also represents the organization to customers, vendors and business professionals outside the organization. Being tech-savvy and resourceful is essential.
How to be more productive at work?
Find out Your Productive Hours Everyone has a certain time of the day in which they are more productive than others. For me, it’s the morning. Find out when your prime time is for productivity and optimize your work schedule accordingly. 14. Keep a Notebook and Pen on Hand at All Times
How to organize your office to increase productivity?
The piles of paper around your desk can be a huge barrier on your productivity. Optimize your time by organizing your office, setting up a system and dumping the junk. Check out these 21 Tips to Organize Your Office and Get More Done and 20 Easy Home Office Organization Ideas to Boost Your Productivity. 35.
How to optimize your work schedule for productivity?
Find out when your prime time is for productivity and optimize your work schedule accordingly. 14. Keep a Notebook and Pen on Hand at All Times This way, you can write down your thoughts, to-dos and ideas at any time.
How can I increase my productivity on the computer?
Step Away from the Computer. The Internet has become one of the number one distraction. To increase your productivity, try to do as much of your work offline as possible. I do this a lot when I try to brainstom new ideas and have found it to be very beneficial to simply unplug.
What is the role of a secretary in a meeting?
The Secretary’s Responsibility. The secretary’s role in any formal group is to be guardian of the process of meetings. They are usually the person who makes the arrangements for the meetings, including AGMs, and keeps formal records of the group’s process and decisions: the minutes of the meeting.
What are the duties often carried out by the corporate secretary?
Duties often carried out by the corporate secretary. Whatever type of organization the corporate secretary works for, he or she usually plays a valuable role as a “bridge” for information, communication,
What does an administrative assistant/secretary do?
A Secretary, or Administrative Assistant, is responsible for facilitating communications within an office and fielding interactions with the public. Their duties include answering and redirecting phone calls, scheduling meetings and providing personalized support for other employees in their office. Build a Job Description Are you a Job Seeker?
What is the role of the secretarial staff on a management committee?
Some management committees have more than one person with formal responsibility for secretarial tasks (e.g. a Minutes Secretary, Correspondence Secretary and Membership Secretary). Others delegate some of the administrative responsibilities to volunteers outside of the management committee to reduce the burden.


