Employers’ Perception Of The Hnd Secretarial Graduates
(Case Study Of Selected Companies In Enugu Urban)
Employers’ perceptions of Higher National Diploma (HND) Secretarial graduates play a crucial role in shaping hiring decisions and workforce dynamics. HND Secretarial graduates are often regarded as equipped with specialized skills and practical knowledge essential for administrative roles within diverse organizational settings. Employers commonly value their adeptness in office management, communication, document handling, and organizational proficiency, which are vital in today’s fast-paced business environment. Additionally, employers appreciate the adaptability and problem-solving abilities of HND Secretarial graduates, recognizing their capacity to navigate various challenges efficiently. Moreover, these graduates are esteemed for their professional demeanor, reliability, and commitment to delivering quality administrative support, enhancing organizational productivity and effectiveness. Consequently, favorable perceptions of HND Secretarial graduates by employers contribute significantly to their employability and career advancement opportunities.
Employers perception of the HND Secretarial graduates in the selected companies as titled this research work has through the introduction expressed the statement of problems eg, why are HND Secretarial graduates left to be roaming about the street. Why are HND holders always been left employed? Why are they always placed at the subordinate position etc and purposely find out how employers of labour perceive the HND secretarial graduates : to find out the effects of these treatment by employers of labour on HND Secretarial Graduates and other employers unfriendly attributes towards these graduates.
Using the questionnaire methodology of data collection at a total of 110 questionnires administered and collected and using analystical tools such as tables and percentages. The findings indicate that HND secretarial graduates are perceived in different ways by employers like, saying that they are intrained graduates, executive assistant shorthand typists etc. also employers were of the opinion that HND Secretarial graduates should possess personal qualities. Employers use interview and selection tests as the tools for selection of secre and also have unfriendly attitudes towards their secretaries like nicknaming and abusing them. Based on the above, the study recommends that employers should stop abusing their secretaries in order to raise their morale in their work places, emphasis should not be placed on the possession of shorthand and typewriting fot eh selection of secretaries, etc.
In conclusion, the attitude of employers of labour towards the HND Secretarial graduates goes to show that employers neglect the profession not knowing what it takes to train a HND Secretarial graduate, hence the issue of roaming about the street unemployed can be anested if the recommendations are implemented.
Cover page
Title page
Certification or Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
List of tables
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Scope or delimitation of the study
1.6 Research question
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 The secretarial graduate
2.2 Origin of secretarial profession
2.3 The roles of a secretary
2.4 Summary of related literature
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Research methodology
3.2 Research design
3.3 Area of the study
3.4 Population of the study
3.5 Sample and sampling procedure
3.6 Instrument for data collection
3.7 Reliability of the research instrument
3.8 Validation of the research instrument
3.9 Method of administration of the research instrument
3.10 Method of data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Data presentation and results
4.2 Summary of results/ findings
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, IMPLICATION: RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Discussion of results
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Implications of the results
5.4 Recommendations
5.5 Suggestion for further research
5.6 Limitation of the study
References
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
Before the study of psychology perception has been in existence. We study perception to be able to explain our observation of the world around us. We cannot understand the human perception of the world unless we also understand something about the world as a set of physical structure. No amount of physical energies nor physiological structure can teach us perception. The study of perception is primarily psychological. The main aim of psychology was to explain all the possible thought of ideas we have by their origin in the past and present sensory experience.
Perception begins with recognition and this process of recognition is a large part of perception. Technically, a percept is a set of sensations plus the images that the sensory inputs evokes.
It is very important in the study of organizational behavour, the managers perception of his workers, determines the type of motivation and method of communication that will exist in the organization.
Primarily, perception is a visual process which indeed we say that we “see” something, what we actually mean is that we perceive or understand it. As a result of this, employers’ perception of the HND secretarial graduates is indeed the way they see or understand them.
Selection of HND secretarial graduate is vested in the hand of employers / executives in most organizations. The HND secretarial graduates are always subjected to testing, interviewing and other forms of evaluation for purposes of employment or promotion. Sometimes, those who evaluate them have never been secretaries and do not have adequate knowledge of the dept and breadth of secretarial training. These employers use wrong tools in measuring the effectiveness and capabilities of then secretaries and do not know the valid test which will act as an accurate predictor of an effective performance.
Most employers look at HND secretarial graduates as skilled shorthand typist and therefore, design the criteria for their evaluation from that point of view. For example research studies show that in majority of cases of recruitment, speeds in shorthand and typewriting are the only criteria. To them a HND Secretarial graduate does not perform any other function other than taking down dictations in shorthand and transcribing them on the typewriter. The employers are consistent in the use of these criteria even when it is obvious that the secretary in guestion is not going to be involved in shorthand or much typing. Even when the needs for typing and writing shorthand are important, these two skills are not enough to determine the employability of a HND Secretarial graduate. A Higher National Diploma secretarial graduate does a lot of other office functions than taking dictations and transcribing on the typewriter.
The HND secretarial graduates help the employers by performing her duties most efficiently carry out some of his duties such as planning, execution treating office matters, receiving every manner of visitors etc. they are able to work independent of their boss so as to build their mage. They carry out functions which are not derided to her either by reference or inference but which are needed to be done.
The HDN Secretarial graduates are people that type office
Correspondence, file confidential and general documents attends to meetings, take down minutes and type them out, make appointments for their bosses and remind them of the appointments. Consequently, they are the executives who manage the most important information. They are the expansion of the employers time because their roles get them to do more than they accomplish in a day.
HND secretarial graduates in the companies made works easy, they are very important such that, it employers are to continue to succeed, they must see the HND secretarial graduates as they see those in other professions, so that HND secretarial graduates will stop roming about the street.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Employers are the people that give work or use the services of other people. The way the reward, understand and treat HND secretarial graduates is not given joy to them. The government functionaries, businessmen, employers and the general public are all very critical of HND Secretarial graduates. (personal interview). The bad attitude ranges from wrong evaluation of performance by employers, not short listing the HND holders for job and subordinating HND Holders to unfriendly attitude of employers in selection for employment. Is it that the HND Secretarial graduates are not holding the same certificate with others like accountancy, marketing etc. why are they left to be roming about the street? Even in the recent recruitment done by the state civil service commission, the HND Holders were not short listed let alone calling them for interview. Why are they always been left unemployed?
Naturally, the spirit of the polytechnic undergraduates are hurt and it downed on them that their struggles and suffering would be in vain. Most employers do not put their HND Secretarial graduates in a prime position as they are supposed to be. Why are they always placed at the subordinate position? How do these employers of labour see graduates of secretarial studies? Hence, the need for this study, to find out how employers of labour perceive this category of graduates.
1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of the study
1. To find out how employers of labour perceive the HND secretarial graduates.
2. to find out the effects of these treatment by employers of labour on HND secretarial graduates
3. to identify other employers unfriendly attitude towards graduates of secretarial studies.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study is to serve as a counseling guide and to correct the wrong impression and misconception employers have about the HND Secretarial graduates.
It is also to encourage those in the profession that not matter what people say about the profession, they should not feel discouraged.
This study will also serve as a literature review to other researchers that may wish to write on this topic or something related to it.
1.5 SCOPE OR DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study is limited to both employers and secretaries in selected companies in Enugu urban due to limited time and financial constraints associated with this research work, I am going to limit my study to first bank Plc. Nigerian Telecommunication Plc . Afribank Plc.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How do employers of labour perceive that HND secretarial graduates?
2. what are the effect of these treatment by employers of labour on HND secretarial graduates?
3. what are the other unfriendly attitudes of employers towards HND secretarial graduates.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Employers’ Perception Of The HND Secretarial Graduates:
Employers’ perceptions of HND (Higher National Diploma) Secretarial graduates can vary depending on several factors, including the specific industry, the individual candidate’s skills and experiences, and the employer’s expectations. However, there are some general perceptions and considerations that employers may have when hiring HND Secretarial graduates:
- Technical Skills: Employers often expect HND Secretarial graduates to possess strong technical skills related to secretarial and administrative tasks. This includes proficiency in office software (such as Microsoft Office), typing, filing, data entry, and document management.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in secretarial roles. Employers may look for graduates who have good verbal and written communication skills, as they often interact with clients, colleagues, and superiors.
- Organizational Skills: Employers value secretaries who can efficiently organize their work, manage appointments, prioritize tasks, and maintain a well-structured filing system.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy and attention to detail are vital in secretarial roles. Employers expect graduates to avoid errors in documents, correspondence, and data entry.
- Professionalism: Employers appreciate graduates who exhibit professionalism in their appearance, demeanor, and interactions. This includes being punctual, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to company policies.
- Adaptability: Secretaries often face changing tasks and priorities. Employers may prefer candidates who can adapt to evolving work demands and learn new technologies and procedures quickly.
- Multitasking: Secretaries often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Being able to multitask efficiently is a valuable skill in this role.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Employers may seek HND Secretarial graduates who can proactively identify and address issues, find solutions to problems, and offer support to their superiors.
- Customer Service: In some industries, secretaries have direct interactions with clients and customers. Employers may appreciate candidates who can provide excellent customer service.
- Knowledge of Industry-specific Software: Depending on the industry, employers may prefer candidates with knowledge of industry-specific software or tools commonly used in their sector.
- Team Player: Secretaries often work as part of a team, so employers value graduates who can collaborate effectively with colleagues and support the overall success of the organization.
- Continuous Learning: Employers appreciate individuals who are open to continuous learning and professional development to stay updated on industry trends and improve their skills.
It’s essential for HND Secretarial graduates to highlight their relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments when applying for jobs and during interviews to showcase their value to potential employers. Additionally, seeking internships or work experience in a relevant field can help graduates gain practical experience and improve their employability. Ultimately, the perception of HND Secretarial graduates by employers can be positive when they demonstrate the skills and qualities needed for success in the role.