Project Materials

SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS OF MODERN BUSINESS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE JOB OF THE SECRETARY

ABSTRACT

Using Nigerian Telecommunication, Enugu (NITEL) as a case study, this research looked at how the socio-economic and technological system of modern business impacts the job of modern-day secretaries in certain commercial organisations. There were 26 secretaries that were part of the study’s population. A questionnaire served as the primary tool. The data analysis utilised simple percentages. Researchers found that secretaries in today’s businesses face both good and bad effects from the interplay of society, economy, and technology. Compared to their more conventional predecessors, secretaries now have more complex secretarial and administrative duties. The majority of secretaries also had a hard time adjusting to the new system, according to the results. Based on the findings, it was suggested that secretaries could be adequately trained and motivated to fix all of these issues. throughout addition, a national organisation should be set up to register and oversee the practice of secretarial services throughout the nation, and students should be taught how to operate modern office equipment.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Study 

Since running a modern company is no easy feat, secretaries face an increasingly demanding role in the increasingly complicated corporate system. It is the dual goal of every company’s management to maximise profits while also meeting the requirements of their workforce.

Contemporary company has entered a new social, economic, and technological era. Consequently, societal problems may be to blame. Hails and Hubband (1977) concluded that in response to environmental changes, numerous organisations have adjusted their internal systems.

These days, managers in the corporate world use all sorts of tactics to improve the rapport they have with their staff. Good working environment and increased productivity are two things that employees are driven to achieve.

A knowledge of human motivation is necessary for the successful management of change, according to Humbly (1975). Further, Hails and spouse (1977) argued that all nations must have an economic framework that supplies its people with basic necessities.

Companies in the contemporary era have responded to these demands in a variety of ways, including the following: implementing performance reviews, bolstering workplace security, educating staff, etc.

Due to the ever-increasing complexity of secretarial tasks, it is critical to provide secretaries with training in both the specific skills and procedures needed for these roles, as well as broader career development opportunities.

The responsibilities of a secretary in modern companies have expanded beyond simple clerical tasks, according to Anyatonwu (N.d.). Additionally, he mentioned that modern secretaries are expected to juggle multiple responsibilities.

A new trend has also emerged in the social structure of corporate organisations. Unlike in the past, today’s businesses care about their workers’ needs. Therefore, flexibility and motivation are no longer considered to be of purely academic interest; rather, they are of practical value to businesses, according to humble (1975).

In addition to stating that computers have brought a new dimension to both commercial and social activities, he also mentioned that social responsibility is a crucial sector of business.

It is possible to think of technological systems as creative. According to Marvin and Mareia (1984), office automation has the potential to boost productivity, cut down on waste, and open up new, more difficult positions for people who are open to learning and adjusting.

1.1 Statement Of The Problem

Because modern corporate organisation is so intricate, the secretary’s role is growing increasingly difficult; as a result, secretaries encounter new challenges such as the ones listed below.

Office automation is supposed to boost productivity, cut down on waste, and open up new, more challenging jobs for people who are up for the challenge of learning the new economic system, all in an effort to maximise profit for business managers who are always looking to maximise their own financial gain.

One way in which technological advancements could impact a secretary’s job is by making certain knowledge and abilities obsolete. The secretary’s role has become increasingly complex due to the new organisational structure of contemporary businesses.

To succeed, one must be familiar with the task at hand, the steps involved, and the potential pitfalls. When it comes to social, economic, and technological aspects of her job, the secretary who isn’t properly taught and equipped could struggle to do her job well. As a result, she can face resistance from those around her, including her supervisor and coworkers, as she carries out her duties.

1.2 The Objectives of the Study

The study’s overarching goals are to

(1) identify the socioeconomic and technological system of modern business and

(2) understand how it impacts the secretary’s job;

(3) identify potential challenges that modern secretaries may encounter; and

(4) provide insight into how secretaries can adapt to the changing needs of modern businesses by acquiring the necessary education, training, and skills.

1.3 The significance Of The Study

The goal of this project is to teach professional secretaries new skills that will help them adjust to the new system. In order to prepare future secretaries for the challenges they will face, this study will shed light on the new system of modern company organisation.

It will also help them mentally prepare for the challenges they’ll encounter as business professionals. In order for the company to tailor the system to its workers’ needs, this study will raise knowledge of the new system’s effects on productivity and profit.

As a result of this study, the school will have to add new classes to the curriculum to teach students how to utilise modern office equipment, and they will need to hire more teachers and make sure they have all the resources they need to teach these classes.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions will serve as the basis for our investigation:

One, are secretaries’ roles now different from their predecessors’?

2. How does the system of social, economic, and technical influences impact secretaries?

Thirdly, does the new socioeconomic and technological system present any difficulties for the secretary?

4. Does the secretary face any difficulties as a result of the changing system of socioeconomic and technological factors?

5. Is it conceivable to find a solution that will make the secretary fit in?

1.5.5 Limitations of the Study

Due to time constraints, this study does not cover everything that may be considered. Ideally, more than one company in Enugu State would have been covered. Research in Enugu state was time-limited. Due to pressing academic obligations, time was of the essence during the research.

The researcher also had financial constraints; the country’s economic situation forced her to restrict her study to the areas already mentioned.

1.6 Scope/Delimitation of the Study 

The consequences of the new technical and social system are the primary subject of this research. Since the researcher has decided to focus on just one company in Enugu state, her analysis may not cover all relevant ground.

Sources Cited

1. Hails and Hubband came out in 1977. Organisational training and development:

London: Jossy Bass Incorporated Publisher.

2. Humble died in 1975. Management and the working Environment. Author: Herman Miller Limited from the USA.

Three, Hails and Hubband in 1977. Organisational training and development programs. Published in London by Jossy Bass Incorporated.

4. The Perfect Secretary by Anyatonwu (n.d.). Press of the Government of Owerri.

5. Humble (1975). The working environment and management at United States Steel. Herman Miller, Inc.

6, Marvin and Mareia (1984). Prospects for Future Employment. Publish by McGraw-Hill in New York.