1.1 Background of Study
Over the years, professional ethics in the career progression of secretaries, particularly within the public sector in Nigeria, is deeply rooted in the evolution of administrative practices and the increasing importance of ethical conduct in organizational settings. Secretaries, as key administrative staff, have long been recognized for their role in facilitating communication, managing records, and assisting in office operations. However, the significance of professional ethics in their career development has only gained widespread attention in recent decades.
In the early 20th century, the role of secretaries was primarily clerical, with a focus on dictation, filing, and scheduling. Ethical considerations were often limited to basic expectations of confidentiality and respect for hierarchy. It was during the post-independence period in Nigeria that professional ethics began to be formally discussed in relation to public service. With the establishment of numerous public service regulations, such as the Nigerian Civil Service Rules, expectations for integrity, transparency, and accountability began to shape the way secretaries and other administrative staff were expected to conduct themselves in their roles (Uche, 2016).
The concept of professional ethics has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in its influence on career progression in various professions. Secretaries, as key administrative personnel, often act as the backbone of organizational operations, handling critical tasks such as correspondence, documentation, and office management. In the public sector, especially within the Lagos State Civil Service, secretaries hold positions that require not only technical proficiency but also strong ethical principles to ensure effective communication, confidentiality, and trustworthiness (Adebayo, 2019).
The role of professional ethics in career progression is often understated, despite the crucial impact it has on an individual's career development. Professional ethics involve a set of standards, such as honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and responsibility, that guide individuals in making decisions and interacting with others in a work environment (Adeyemo & Dada, 2017). In the case of secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service, their adherence to these ethical standards often influences their career growth, as it impacts their relationships with superiors, colleagues, and clients.
The career progression of secretaries is shaped by various factors, including their performance, training, and ethical conduct. However, studies indicate that the emphasis placed on ethics in shaping the career trajectory of secretaries is often overlooked in the evaluation processes within public sector organizations (Obiora & Onwuka, 2018). This is particularly concerning given that ethical breaches, such as the mishandling of confidential information or unethical behavior, can severely hinder an individual's career prospects, leading to missed opportunities for promotion or professional advancement (Obasi & Nwachukwu, 2020).
The role of secretaries in the corporate and public sectors has evolved significantly over the years, becoming increasingly essential for organizational success. In particular, within the civil service, secretaries are tasked with various administrative responsibilities that ensure the smooth functioning of government offices. However, the progression of secretaries in their careers is not solely influenced by their technical skills and experience but also by their adherence to professional ethics. Professional ethics, which encompass values such as integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism, are integral to maintaining the trust and respect of colleagues and superiors within any workplace (Nwachukwu, 2018).
In the context of the Lagos State Civil Service, secretaries are often viewed as key players in ensuring that administrative tasks are carried out efficiently. However, their career progression can be influenced by how they uphold these ethical principles in their daily duties. The influence of professional ethics on career development in this regard is a subject of growing interest, as it can determine not only personal success but also the overall reputation of the organization they represent.
Scholars like Okpara (2016) have emphasized that a commitment to professional ethics directly correlates with improved work performance and increased opportunities for promotion. Despite this, there is limited research on how ethical practices influence the career progression of secretaries specifically within the Lagos State Civil Service. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between professional ethics and the career advancement of secretaries in this particular sector.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the influence of professional ethics on secretaries' career progression within the Lagos State Civil Service is a crucial area of study, given the evolving role of ethics in public administration. Despite the recognition of ethics as integral to career advancement, many secretaries within the Lagos State Civil Service continue to experience stagnation in their careers. This stagnation is often linked to a lack of emphasis on the application of professional ethics in performance evaluations, promotions, and career development opportunities. While some secretaries uphold high standards of professionalism, others may face challenges due to perceived unethical practices or insufficient ethical guidance within their workplaces.
Furthermore, the inconsistency in enforcing ethical standards within the Lagos State Civil Service further complicates this issue. While some departments may actively encourage ethical practices, others may fail to provide adequate training, support, or recognition for ethical behavior. This lack of consistency in the application of professional ethics affects the overall development of secretaries, as it undermines their potential for career progression based on merit and ethical conduct. Thus, there is a pressing need for a deeper understanding of how professional ethics shapes career progression for secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service and how organizational policies can be more effectively aligned to foster an environment where ethical behavior translates into career growth and advancement.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of professional ethics on the career progression of secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the understanding of professional ethics among secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service and its perceived impact on career progression.
- To assess the relationship between the application of professional ethics and career advancement opportunities available to secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service.
- To explore how ethical behavior such as integrity, transparency, and accountability influences job performance and promotion decisions for secretaries.
- To evaluate the role of Lagos State Civil Service policies in promoting professional ethics and their effect on secretaries' career progression.
- To identify barriers to the effective application of professional ethics in the workplace and their impact on the career growth of secretaries.
- To recommend strategies for enhancing the role of professional ethics in fostering career development and progression for secretaries within the Lagos State Civil Service.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How do secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service understand professional ethics, and how do they perceive its impact on their career progression?
- What is the relationship between the application of professional ethics and career advancement opportunities for secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service?
- In what ways does ethical behavior, including integrity, transparency, and accountability, influence the job performance and promotion decisions for secretaries?
- How do the policies and practices of the Lagos State Civil Service promote or hinder the application of professional ethics in secretarial work, and how does this affect career progression?
- What are the main barriers to the effective application of professional ethics by secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service, and how do these barriers impact their career growth?
- What strategies can be implemented to enhance the role of professional ethics in fostering career development and progression for secretaries within the Lagos State Civil Service?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
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: The policies and practices of the Lagos State Civil Service do not significantly promote the application of professional ethics in secretarial work, thus having no impact on career progression.
- H1: The policies and practices of the Lagos State Civil Service significantly promote the application of professional ethics in secretarial work, thus enhancing career progression.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Ethical behavior, including integrity and accountability, has no significant impact on job performance and promotion decisions for secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service.
- H1: Ethical behavior, including integrity and accountability, positively influences job performance and promotion decisions for secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help identify key ethical factors that influence career advancement and performance. Furthermore, the research study will offer guidance to policymakers and administrators on the need for robust ethical standards and training programs within the civil service.
Moreover, this research will also highlight the areas where ethical practices may be lacking and recommend improvements to ensure that secretaries are given fair opportunities for career advancement based on merit and ethical behavior.
Lastly, the research study will be beneficial in promoting a more ethical and transparent work environment in the Lagos State Civil Service, encouraging the growth of an accountable and efficient workforce.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of this study will focus on the Lagos State Civil Service, specifically examining the influence of professional ethics on the career progression of secretaries within the organization. The study will cover secretaries employed in various government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across Lagos State. It will explore how adherence to professional ethics, including integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and professional conduct, impacts career growth opportunities, job promotions, and overall professional development.
1.8 Limitations of the study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this research work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this establishment to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Professional Ethics:
It refers to the set of moral principles and standards of conduct that govern the behavior and decision-making processes of individuals within a specific profession. In the context of secretarial work, professional ethics encompasses values such as confidentiality, integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rules and regulations governing the profession (Becker, 2019).
Career Progression:
It involves the process of advancing in one's professional life, typically marked by promotions, increased responsibilities, and personal development within an organization. For secretaries, career progression may involve moving into more senior administrative roles or taking on additional duties that require specialized skills. The role of professional ethics plays a pivotal part in shaping the trajectory of career progression, as adherence to ethical standards can influence an individual's reputation, relationships with others, and overall success in their career (Robinson & Judge, 2017).
Secretaries:
They are individuals who provide administrative and clerical support to executives, managers, or other professionals in organizations. Their responsibilities typically include managing schedules, communicating with clients, maintaining records, and performing other office tasks. Secretaries often serve as the primary point of contact between their employers and clients or other stakeholders, making their role crucial for the smooth operation of an organization (Zeytinoglu, 2018).
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