Causes Of Occupational Change In Secretarial Profession
(A Case Study Of Institute Of Management And Technology (Imt) Enugu)
The evolution of the secretarial profession has been influenced by various factors, leading to shifts in occupational roles and responsibilities. Technological advancements, such as the widespread adoption of computers and automation systems, have significantly altered the nature of secretarial work, necessitating proficiency in digital tools and office software. Additionally, changes in organizational structures and business practices, driven by globalization and digitalization, have reshaped the demands placed on secretaries, requiring them to adapt to new communication methods and collaborative platforms. Furthermore, societal shifts towards gender equality and the empowerment of women have influenced perceptions of the secretarial role, leading to broader career opportunities and the emergence of specialized administrative positions. Economic fluctuations and industry-specific trends also play a role, impacting job availability and skill requirements within the secretarial profession. Overall, the causes of occupational change in the secretarial profession are multifaceted, encompassing technological, organizational, societal, and economic factors that continually reshape the landscape of administrative work.
The topic of the study is causes of occupational change in secretarial profession – A case study of Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.
The objective of the study was to find out the causes of occupational changes, the efforts of occupational changes on the secretarial profession, and effects of occupational changes on secretaries in business organizations.
The researchers reviewed some related literature on the meaning of occupational changes, causes and efforts of occupational changes and finally the solutions to the reasons for occupational change in secretarial profession.
The researchers were able to find out that age, lack of training, lack of prestige and security are some reasons for occupational changes. And the occupational changes has some significant effects on career path planning of the secretary and it also has some negative efforts on the secretarial profession.
The researchers recommended that adequate training and job satisfaction should be given to secretaries. Secretarial profession should be well constituted to be more attractive.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
List of Tables
CHAPTER ONE:
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Scope of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Significance of the study
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Meaning of Occupational change
2.2 Causes of Occupational change
2.3 Effects of occupational change on individual secretary
2.4 Occupational change as it affects secretarial profession
2.5 How to overcome the problems why people run away from secretarial administration.
2.6 Summary
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of the study
3.3 Population of the study
3.4 Sample and sampling procedure
3.5 Instrumentation
3.6 Validation of the instrument
3.7 Reliability of instrument
3.8 Data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Presentation and Result
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Discussion, Implication, Recommendation
5.1 Discussion of result
5.2 Implication of the study
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Suggestion for further research
5.5 Limitations of the Study
References
Appendix
Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Secretary refers to a person who performs routines, administrative, or personal tasks for a superior. Those in secretary occupation perform duties such as typing, computer processing, and scheduling for an executive. Secretaries are often hardworking, important members of a business. Its administrative workings better than anyone else. Since the renaissance until the late 19th Century, men had assumed the title of secretary in the 1880, with the invention of the typewriters, more women began to enter the field since World War I. however, the role of secretary has been primarily associated with women. By the 1930s, fewer men are entering the secretarial occupation.
In an effort to promote professionalism amongst secretaries, the National Secretaries Association was created in 1942. As technology continues to expand to office across the professionals was greatly evolved office automation and organizational structure had led secretaries to assume a wider range of near responsibilities. One researches for managerial and professional staff. Many secretaries now provide training are orientation for new staff, conduct research on the internet, and operate and troubleshoot new office technologies. In the midst of these, however, their responsibilities have remained much the same, although changed from manual to electronic performing and co-ordinating an office’s administrative activities, storing, retrieving and integrating information for dissemination to staff and client.
Secretaries are responsible for a variety of administration and clerical duties necessary to run an organization and maintain paper and electronic files, manage projects, conduct research and provide information on the telephone, postal and e-mail. They also may prepare correspondence and handle travel arrangement.
With the above unique functions played by secretaries, it is sorrowful sighted that occupation change which Ozigi (1989) defined as picking up job in another discipline or field of endeavour outside what one has been working for some years has affected the secretarial profession, at present where, some secretaries who have been properly trained vehemently take up a job in another field of specialization abandon in the secretarial jobs, this idea of leaving one’s occupation or profession to another can also be observed but it is more pronounced in the secretarial profession. This work is therefore designed to find out why people trained as secretary take up jobs outside the secretarial profession.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:
It is very surprising to observe the rate at which some trained and experienced secretaries abandon secretarial jobs to other fields of specialization. Some of them after being trained as professional secretaries pick up jobs in other discrepancies. This has resulted to a case of brain-drain in the profession. Despite the member of graduate secretaries being turned by our numerous tertiary institutions, the labour market is still lacking qualified and competent secretaries to perform secretarial duties this is majorly because these graduated secretaries prefer to work as managers, salesmen and women and marketers instead of secretaries. The question is why do these secretaries who are well trained in the profession prefer to work as other staff instead of as secretaries?
This is the reason for this study.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:
The purpose or objective of the study is therefore to find out:
(a) The causes of occupational changes.
(b) Effects of occupational changes on secretarial profession.
(c) Effects of occupational change on the secretaries in business organization.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
The Study was carried out to cover Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu. The study focused only on the cause of occupational changes in secretarial profession and the category of the staff are the junior and senior staff in secretarial studies.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
This following research question were constructed to guide the researcher.
(a) What are the causes of occupational change in secretarial profession?
(b) What are the effects of occupations changes on the secretarial profession?
(c) What are the effects of occupational change on the secretaries in business organization?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
The study will be of great significance to secretaries, and those who wish to make secretarial profession their life career, the administrators, researchers, member of the public and Institute of Management and Technology (IMT).
The study will educate secretaries to appreciate the career prospect and prestige in their profession. It will encourage those that wish to make secretarial profession a life career not to give up because they will benefit a lot in secretarial profession.
The administrators of every organization will after reading this project appreciate the efforts of their secretaries and then change their negative attitude.
Members of the public will start to recognize the secretarial profession and encourage those who are interested in the occupation.
Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) will have the privilege to encourage their students about secretarial profession.
Furthermore, researchers will benefit from this study for their related studies.
Causes Of Occupational Change In Secretarial Profession:
The secretarial profession has undergone significant changes over the years due to various factors, including technological advancements, shifts in workplace dynamics, and evolving job responsibilities. Here are some of the key causes of occupational change in the secretarial profession:
- Technological Advancements: One of the most significant drivers of change in the secretarial profession has been the rapid advancement of technology. Automation, computerization, and the widespread use of software applications have automated many tasks that were once performed by secretaries. For example, email, word processing software, and digital calendars have reduced the need for traditional typing and scheduling duties.
- Digital Communication: The rise of digital communication tools, such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing, has transformed how secretaries communicate with colleagues, clients, and superiors. This shift has changed the way information is managed and shared within organizations.
- Administrative Efficiency: Organizations have been focused on streamlining administrative processes and reducing overhead costs. This has led to changes in the role of secretaries, who are often asked to take on more responsibilities beyond traditional administrative tasks, such as project management, data analysis, and customer relations.
- Outsourcing and Offshoring: Some organizations have outsourced or offshored certain secretarial functions to reduce labor costs. This has resulted in the consolidation of administrative roles and changes in job descriptions for in-house secretaries.
- Changing Organizational Structures: Many companies have adopted flatter organizational structures, reducing the number of hierarchical layers. As a result, secretaries may have to support multiple managers or teams, requiring them to adapt to different work styles and priorities.
- Increased Focus on Soft Skills: With the automation of routine tasks, there is a growing emphasis on soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and customer service in the secretarial profession. Secretaries are often expected to play a more active role in building positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Professional Development: To keep up with the evolving demands of the profession, secretaries are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development. This may include training in new software, project management techniques, or specialized areas such as legal or medical secretarial work.
- Remote Work and Flexibility: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work practices, including for secretaries. Many secretaries now work from home or in hybrid arrangements, which has changed the way they interact with their colleagues and managers.
- Ethical and Legal Considerations: Secretaries may need to be more aware of ethical and legal considerations, particularly in industries with strict compliance requirements. They may be responsible for managing sensitive information and ensuring data privacy and security.
- Globalization: In a globalized economy, secretaries may need to coordinate with colleagues and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. This requires cultural sensitivity and effective cross-cultural communication skills.
In summary, the secretarial profession has evolved significantly due to technological advancements, changes in workplace dynamics, and the need for secretaries to take on a broader range of responsibilities. To succeed in this changing landscape, secretaries must adapt, acquire new skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies.