Project Materials

THE STUDY OF THE ROLE AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROFESSIONAL SECRETARIES IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT METROPOLIS (A CASE STUDY OF THREE SELECTED GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS) ABSTRACT THIS STUDY IDENTIFIED RELEVANT ROLE AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROFESS

ABSTRACT

Using data collected from a sample of government parastatals in the Enugu metropolitan area, this study determined the function and efficiency of professional secretaries. Issues such as professional performance, rewards, training, and others encountered during the course of their operations were examined in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using a percentage algorithm. Research has shown that professional secretaries invest in their own professional development by regularly reading relevant journals, attending relevant seminars and workshops, and participating in organisational training programs. The lack of support from upper management is the main reason why most secretaries are unhappy with their professional performance activities. Lastly, it is imperative that the management of individual organisations do all in their power to inspire professional secretaries to give their all and truly own the company.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Background of the Study 

It is well-known in this world that different professions, depending on their efficacy, have distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another. The common person’s conception of a profession is based on the social value and specifics of the work that professionals in that field do.

For this reason, the general consensus holds that, prior to the industrial revolution, there were only two professions: medical and law. Secretarial work is essential to every organization’s success and growth, but in the past it was not given the same attention as medical and legal fields.

Expertise, training, education, and moral behaviour are essential in the secretarial profession. Research conducted by Carr-Saunders (1964) confirmed the declining social status of secretaries during that time, when the question of whether secretaries should be more honoured to be consulted when decisions were being made regarding their service conditions arose. People used to see secretaries as more of a servant then.

Back when secretarial work was still in its infancy, students at commercial institutions were sometimes mistaken for typists but officially worked as secretaries. The training of secretaries, however, shifted to incorporate new methods and tools with the arrival of the industrial revolution.

According to Carr-Saunders (1964), significant changes in schooling are to blame for the recent boom in the secretarial profession, which occurred practically during our own lifetimes.

The secretarial profession in modern-day Nigeria stands out among all others due to the significant impact it has on a country’s economic, social, and political development. There is an urgent need for it, and it is often thought of as a tool for national growth.

Nonetheless, the overarching goal of this study is to identify the critical success factors that secretaries must overcome in order to maintain their careers and make a positive impact on society.

Secretary success in her profession. Now that Nigeria has joined the ranks of the fully digitalised European nations, they are more important than ever.

In order to accomplish their missions, ministries and businesses rely on the assistance of skilled workers like secretaries. Consequently, secretaries are gaining a lot of respect in this field, and young people in Nigeria are showing interest in pursuing careers in this field. Their education and the values they were taught have a significant impact on how well these secretaries perform their jobs.

1.2 The Statement Of The Problem

These secretaries who make the organization’s objectives releasable must engage in some personal activities meant to improve their performance, since our institution is committed to producing enough people to fill secretarial jobs in the modern ministry. The current issue is that the factors that hinder the advancement of secretarial professionals are not yet identified.

1.3 The Objectives of the Study

This study primarily aims to:

1. To learn what kinds of professional development opportunities secretaries have for enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness on the job.

2. To determine the frequency with which these secretaries partake in such endeavours.

3. To determine who is behind these endeavours financially and in terms of organisation.

4. Ascertain whether the secretaries in the study’s vicinity are content with the professional development opportunities they’ve previously participated in.

5. Find out further ideas on how these secretaries should be developed.

1.4 significance Of The Study

The study’s findings will provide secretaries with insight into the kind of work they can do to advance in their careers. Identifying the kinds of professional development activities that chosen government parastatals, especially those in Enugu Metropolis, will engage their secretaries in would be very helpful. At last, it will be easier to conduct studies on linked subjects.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How may secretaries improve their performance and effectiveness through professional growth activities?

2. How frequently are you involved in activities that enhance your professional performance?

Who plans and pays for these events?

4. In what ways are these professional expectations impacting your daily life?

5. When it comes to effective professional progress, what challenges do secretaries face?

1.6 Definition of Terms

A question or matter of this complexity has been put forward for investigation or contemplation.

PROFESSION: This is a sort of higher-level, non-manual work that requires both subjective and objective evaluations of performance, a clearly defined field of study or concern, and the provision of a specific service acquired through formal education and training.

PROFESSIONALISM: The traits, goals, actions, and character traits that are typical of a particular occupation.

EFFECTIVENESS: Things that are successful.