1.1 Introduction
A secretary is a trained administrative professional who performs clerical and organizational duties such as document preparation, communication management, record keeping, and coordination of office activities using both traditional and digital tools. In contemporary workplaces, the computer has become an essential instrument for secretaries, as it facilitates efficient handling of word processing, data storage, spreadsheet analysis, and electronic communication. Operating a computer refers to the ability to effectively use hardware and software systems to perform office tasks accurately and efficiently within a digital environment. According to Eze and Okeke (2020), computer proficiency among administrative staff significantly influences productivity, yet a considerable number of secretaries still struggle with basic and advanced computer operations due to skill gaps.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Secretarial work has evolved significantly with the advent of information and communication technology, particularly the integration of computers into office administration. A secretary is generally regarded as an administrative professional who manages communication, organizes office records, prepares documents, and supports managerial functions through both traditional and digital means. According to Adeniyi (2020), the role of secretaries has shifted from purely clerical duties to technologically driven responsibilities that require competence in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and electronic communication systems.
Nwosu and Ibrahim (2019) stated that, computers have become indispensable tools in organizational administration because they enhance speed, accuracy, and efficiency in information processing. They asserted that secretaries who are proficient in computer operations are more productive and better able to handle large volumes of office tasks with minimal supervision. According to Okoro (2021), inadequate computer literacy remains one of the major challenges facing secretaries in many organizations. He stated that many secretaries were trained during periods when computer education was either minimal or not fully integrated into their curriculum, thereby limiting their exposure to modern computer applications.
Eze and Chukwu (2020) affirmed that, continuous technological advancement has also contributed to the difficulties encountered by secretaries in computer operation. They affirmed that frequent updates in software applications and the introduction of new digital tools require constant learning and adaptation. However, many secretaries do not receive regular training or refresher courses that would enable them to keep pace with these changes. As a result, they often struggle to operate updated systems, which negatively affects their efficiency and confidence in performing office tasks.
According to Akinola (2022), inadequate infrastructure such as unstable power supply, limited access to functional computers, and poor internet connectivity in some organizations further compounds the difficulties faced by secretaries. He contends that even when secretaries are willing to improve their computer skills, environmental constraints often limit their ability to practice and gain practical experience. This situation leads to reduced competence and low productivity in administrative functions.
Umeh and Bello (2019) articulated that, psychological factors also play a significant role in the difficulties encountered by secretaries in operating computers. They reported that computer anxiety, fear of making mistakes, and lack of confidence often discourage secretaries from fully engaging with technological tools.
According to Oladipo (2021), inadequate organizational support and lack of structured training programs contribute significantly to the skill gap observed among secretaries. He stated that many organizations fail to invest adequately in staff development, particularly in ICT training, which is essential for improving computer competence. Without continuous professional development, secretaries are unable to enhance their skills or adapt to emerging office technologies effectively. This study is set against the backdrop of examining the difficulties encountered by secretaries in operating a computer.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many secretaries continue to experience difficulties due to outdated computer systems, lack of regular software updates, and insufficient ICT training programs within workplaces. According to Okoro (2021), most office environments in developing economies still operate with limited digital infrastructure, which affects efficiency and accuracy in administrative tasks.
Additionally, many secretaries still encounter significant difficulties in effectively operating computers, which affects overall office productivity and efficiency. One major challenge is inadequate computer literacy, where some secretaries lack sufficient training on essential software applications, making it difficult for them to perform tasks accurately and within required time frames (Adebayo & Ojo, 2020).
Furthermore, even when computer facilities are available, some secretaries experience psychological barriers such as computer anxiety and fear of making mistakes, which limits their confidence in using technological tools (Nwankwo & Eze, 2019). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the difficulties encountered by secretaries in operating a computer.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the difficulties encountered by secretaries in operating a computer using selected organizations in Nigeria.
The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Identify the level of computer literacy among secretaries.
- Examine the impact of inadequate training on computer usage.
- Assess the effect of poor infrastructure on computer operation.
- Determine how computer anxiety affects secretarial performance.
- Evaluate the availability of organizational support for ICT use.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives, the study will be guided by the following research questions:
- What is the level of computer literacy among secretaries?
- How does inadequate training affect computer usage among secretaries?
- What effect does poor infrastructure have on computer operation?
- How does computer anxiety influence secretarial performance?
- What level of organizational support is available for ICT use among secretaries?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between computer literacy and secretarial performance.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between computer literacy and secretarial performance.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Inadequate training does not significantly affect computer usage among secretaries.
- H1: Inadequate training significantly affects computer usage among secretaries.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Poor infrastructure does not significantly affect computer operation among secretaries.
- H1: Poor infrastructure significantly affects computer operation among secretaries.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Computer anxiety does not significantly influence secretarial performance.
- H1: Computer anxiety significantly influences secretarial performance.
Hypothesis Five
- H0: Organizational support does not significantly affect ICT usage among secretaries.
- H1: Organizational support significantly affects ICT usage among secretaries.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will provide organizations with practical evidence on the specific difficulties secretaries face in operating computers, which will help improve ICT training policies and workplace efficiency. The study will also guide educational institutions in strengthening secretarial training curricula to match modern digital office requirements.
Furthermore, the research will help government agencies develop ICT capacity-building programs that will improve administrative effectiveness in public service. In addition, government agencies will utilize the study to develop policies that will strengthen digital literacy in public offices.
Lastly, organizations will benefit from improved efficiency and reduced errors in administrative operations.
1.8 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study covers secretarial staff in selected organizations in Lagos State, Nigeria, focusing on computer usage challenges, training exposure, and workplace ICT support.
The study is limited to responses from available secretaries in these organizations and does not cover all sectors in Nigeria.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Computer:
An electronic device that processes data into meaningful information for office and administrative use. According to Eze (2020), computers are essential tools that enhance speed and accuracy in office operations.
Secretary: A trained administrative staff responsible for managing office records, communication, and documentation using both manual and computer-based systems. According to Okoro (2021), secretaries play a key role in ensuring smooth office administration through information management.
Computer Literacy:
The ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications, and digital tools to perform office tasks. According to Akinola (2022), computer literacy determines how efficiently office workers perform in modern organizations.
Computer Anxiety:
A psychological condition where individuals feel fear or discomfort when using computers. According to Umeh and Bello (2019), computer anxiety reduces confidence and affects productivity in ICT-based environments.
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