1.1 Introduction
A secretary is an assistant to an executive officer or a manager, the secretary who is trained to type and perform many office duties. The secretary possesses personal and business attributes. The secretary guards his professional ethics of confidentiality, good appearance and absolute loyalty (Onifade, 2010). In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping various aspects of professional life, including secretarial work. Secretarial skills, traditionally associated with tasks such as typing, filing, and correspondence management, have been significantly influenced by advancements in technology. As the reliance on digital tools and platforms continues to grow, it becomes imperative to examine how this technological shift impacts the acquisition and mastery of secretarial skills.
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
Historically, secretarial skills were centered around manual tasks, such as typing on typewriters and taking dictation in shorthand. However, the rise of computers and word processing software like Microsoft Word has automated many of these tasks, leading to a shift in the required skill set for secretaries (Smith, 2018).
Modern secretaries are expected to be proficient in using a variety of digital tools and software applications, including email clients, spreadsheets, presentation software, and scheduling platforms. These tools have streamlined administrative tasks and increased efficiency in the workplace (Johnson, 2020). While technology has automated many traditional secretarial tasks, such as typing and filing, it has also created new demands for skills like digital literacy, multitasking, and adaptability. Secretaries now need to be adept at troubleshooting technical issues, managing digital files, and collaborating with colleagues remotely (Brown, 2019).
The traditional role of secretaries has evolved significantly over the past few decades, largely due to advancements in technology. Historically, secretarial work primarily involved tasks such as typing, filing, and answering phones. However, with the advent of computers, software applications, and digital communication tools, the nature of secretarial duties has expanded to encompass a broader range of responsibilities, including email management, data entry, scheduling, and document processing.
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is essential to understand how these changes impact the acquisition and development of secretarial skills. While technology offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency and automation, it also presents challenges, such as the need for continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and software platforms. Martinez (2021) asserted that, despite the challenges posed by technology, it also presents opportunities for secretaries to enhance their skill set. Online training courses, webinars, and tutorials provide avenues for learning new software applications and staying updated on technological advancements relevant to their profession (Martinez, 2021). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Use of Technology and It’s Impact on the Acquisition of Secretarial Skills.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that with the rapid pace of technological innovation, there may be a disconnect between the skills traditionally taught in secretarial training programs and those required in modern workplaces where advanced digital tools are prevalent. Also, existing secretarial training programs may not adequately address the diverse range of technological tools and platforms used in contemporary office environments, leaving secretaries ill-prepared to perform their duties effectively.
Furthermore, the use of technology in secretarial work introduces potential cyber security risks, such as data breaches and phishing attacks, which may compromise sensitive information if proper security measures are not implemented. Also, some secretaries may struggle to adapt to new technologies, leading to resistance and reluctance to embrace digital tools, which can hinder productivity and efficiency in the workplace (Brown, L., & Williams, K. 2022). It is on this backdrop the research tends to examine the various challenges faced by secretaries in the context of technology use and offers insights into potential solutions to address these issues and enhance the acquisition of secretarial skills in a digitalized work environment.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of technology use on the acquisition of secretarial skills in contemporary office environments. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different training approaches, such as workshops, online courses, and on-the-job training, in enhancing secretaries' technological proficiency and skill acquisition;
- To assess the current state of secretarial training programs and identify the extent to which they incorporate technology-related skills;
- To examine the proficiency levels of secretaries in utilizing various technological tools and platforms commonly used in modern workplaces;
- To explore the challenges and barriers faced by secretaries in adapting to new technologies and integrating them into their daily workflows;
- To propose recommendations for improving secretarial training programs and workplace policies to better support the acquisition and utilization of technology-related skills.
1.5 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 effective are the different training approaches in enhancing secretaries' technological proficiency and skill acquisition?
- What is the current state of secretarial training programs and identify the extent to which they incorporate technology-related skills?
- What are the proficiency levels of secretaries in utilizing various technological tools and platforms commonly used in modern workplaces?
- What are the challenges and barriers faced by secretaries in adapting to new technologies and integrating them into their daily workflows?
1.6 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.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant relationship between technology use and the acquisition of secretarial skills.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Increased technology use positively correlates with the acquisition and proficiency of secretarial skills.
1.7 Significance of Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform and improve secretarial training programs, workplace policies, and organizational practices in response to the growing influence of technology on secretarial work. By understanding the impact of technology use on the acquisition of secretarial skills, this research can contribute to:
- Enhanced Training Programs: Insights gained from the study can help educators and trainers develop more effective curriculum and training materials that address the evolving technological needs of secretaries.
- Improved Workplace Efficiency: Understanding how technology influences secretarial skills acquisition can lead to the implementation of strategies to optimize workflow processes and increase productivity in office environments.
- Career Development Opportunities: Secretaries who possess advanced technological skills are better positioned to pursue career advancement opportunities within their organizations or seek employment in industries where digital literacy is highly valued.
- Adaptation to Technological Changes: Organizations can use the findings of this study to anticipate future technological trends and proactively prepare secretarial staff to adapt to new tools and platforms as they emerge.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Use of Technology and It’s Impact on the Acquisition of Secretarial Skills using Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri as a case study.
1.9 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.
- 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.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Technology Use:
It refers to the utilization of various digital tools, software applications, and electronic devices in performing secretarial tasks, including but not limited to word processing, data entry, email management, and scheduling.
Acquisition of Secretarial Skills:
It encompasses the process of learning and mastering the competencies and abilities necessary for effective secretarial work, which may include typing proficiency, communication skills, organizational skills, and familiarity with office software and systems.
Digital Literacy:
The ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, and utilize digital technologies, including computers, the internet, and software applications, to perform tasks, solve problems, and communicate efficiently in a digital environment.
Workflow Efficiency:
It refers to the extent to which tasks and processes within an organization are streamlined, optimized, and completed in a timely manner, often facilitated by the integration of technology into daily operations.
