A STUDY OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE SECRETARY IN A MODERN OFFICE

ABSTRACT

          This research work has been carried out to determine the
fate of secretaries with regard to increase in technological
advancement.  The instruments used in gathering data for this study are,
the questionnaire, oral interview and observation.  The scope of study
covered are three selected banks in Umuahia, Abia State.  Namely: Union
Bank, standard Trust bank and first bank Nigeria Plc.  The data were
collected from sample secretaries in the above mentioned banks and were
analyzed using percentage.

          From the result of the abalysis, it was discovered that all
this technological advancement has helped to improve the activities of
secretaries in the officer thereby increasing their productivity as well
as enhancing their job security.

          However, from the summary and findings, it was recommended
that secretaries need to go on training, so as to able to handle this
modern equipment efficiently.  And also, that their training process
still continues, if there is any introduction of new machine in future.

          More so, secretaries should not be afraid of this new
machine, they should not feel that they will be displaced, rather they
should accept it and see it as a helpful too, that helps in making their
job accurate and first.

INTRODUCTION

1.1BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy, secretaries are usually very helpful to the management in the accomplishment of organizational goals.  With the advent of technical know how in our modern establishments there is an increase in demand for sophisticated and modern technologies in Nigerian organization.

          In the light of the above situation this research work is aimed at identifying the Negative Impact of Technological Development on secretaries in a modern office.

          There are various categories of secretaries, which includes: the executive, secretaries, the company secretaries, confidential secretaries, parliamentary secretaries and others.

          Each of them is changed with well-articulated and defined functions and roles, which are expatiated of them.  This study concentrates on the role of the executive secretary, employed by a company who is attached to an officer who is of the executives cadre.

          A secretary may be viewed as a person who has acquired the basic knowledge of secretarial skill of shorthand, typewriting and sufficient knowledge and practical experience in office routine.  Depending on the objectives of the organizations a secretary meant all things to all people.

          However, there are some basic functions which secretaries perform and these form the basis of their identify in an organization these functions are:

a.                 Initiating relevant correspondence on all routine, matters and drafting letters as authorized

b.                 Collecting relevant information from relevant sources for office use.

c.                  Follow up the diary of her boss daily.

d.                 Dealing with visitors and telephone callers on issues which the secretary is knowledgeable.

e.                  Preparing the boss for meetings and other entertainment etc.

In spite of this very important functions performed by secretaries, the secretary still needs the modern office technology to efficiently carry out his/ her duties.