Impact Of Human Relations On The Job Performance Of Secretaries
(A Case Study Of Financial Institutions In Enugu Urban)
Human relations, encompassing the interpersonal interactions and dynamics within an organizational setting, wield substantial influence on the job performance of secretaries. Effective human relations foster a conducive work environment, where secretaries feel valued, understood, and supported, leading to enhanced morale and motivation levels. This positive atmosphere cultivates teamwork, collaboration, and communication, which are crucial for secretaries to fulfill their duties efficiently. Moreover, strong human relations diminish workplace conflicts and stressors, allowing secretaries to focus their energy on tasks, thereby boosting productivity and job satisfaction. Conversely, poor human relations can engender disengagement, demotivation, and job dissatisfaction among secretaries, hindering their performance and potentially leading to turnover. Thus, fostering positive human relations is imperative for optimizing the job performance of secretaries, promoting organizational success, and ensuring a harmonious workplace environment.
A lot of us after graduating from our schools of higher learning are still ignorant about what it takes to work with people in an organization nor so they posses any knowledge of psychology.
Most of the executives, especially the secretaries we are focusing our attention on, can recite a set of rules when asked how to handle a specific situation, but are at a loss when human relations function are relegated to the background, the effect on an organization will be counter productive especially if the staff do not know and follow the laid down procedures of human relations.
Therefore, this research paper will most importantly on how the secretary assumes her responsibilities in the office environment can apply human relation skills in working with subordinate and her boss, and also to achieve the desired objectives expected of her.
A good number of secretaries were interviewed with their bosses and subordinated and questionnaires were administered to them. This was to find out the impact of human relation functions on job performance of personal secretaries in financial institutions. The research was carried out in Enugu urban in Enugu state. The result was most successful in the sense that most secretaries and bosses interviewed agreed that it was an issue that required a lot of attention, especially in our institutions of higher learning.
Although some people felt that the name secretary is out-dated and is such should be scrapped for something or a name more appropriate and as well should be accompanied with a higher profile job description and specification
Title Page
Abstract
Table Of Content
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of The Problems
1.3 The Purpose Of The Study
1.4 Scope Of The Study
1.5 Significance Of The Study
Chapter Two
2.0 Review Of Related Literature
2.1 Definition Of Human Relations
2.2 Methodical Approach To Human Relations
2.3 Relationship Of A Secretary With The Boss
2.4 The Secretary’s Relationship With Other Executives
2.5 The Relationship Of A Secretary With The Junior Colleagues
2.6 The Scretary’s Relationship With The Public
2.7 What Is Psychology And Its Relevance To The Secretary In The Study Of Human Relations
2.8 The Faces Of Good Human Relations
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Sources Of Data Collection
3.3 Area Of Study
3.4 Population Of This Study
3.5 Sample
3.6 Development And Administration Of Research Instrument
Chapter Four
4.0 Presentation And Analysis Of Data
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary Of Findings
5.1 Discussion On Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
References
Questions For Secretaries
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
One of the basic problems in the society si just how workers should be motivated to achieve the goals in our industries. It is not an easy thing to go by since a little percentage of workers derive slight personal satisfaction from the jobs and enjoy little sense of accomplishment or creativity
This is why Carvel F.J in his book “Human Relation in Business” stated that in “Large organization people work together, follows instructions and order they do not understand” just few workers have the opportunity of self-expression or freedom. Then the question remains, how could this employees satisfy their personal need and that of the organization they are working with.
How can the secretary motivate workers at all levels of the organization? This was the saying of those who are old in the profession but to the way they view it, as frustrating and unrewarding. The young workers who faces the prospects of going to work with great fear of uncertainty (lack of understanding as regard to the new job or even inexperienced ones, need to develop their behavior which will help them adopt to the conditions of the job)
The best approach for a secretary to apply is the scientific and methodological system of human relations to achieve the desired goals and objectives of her organization. It is quite obvious that human relations deals with the interaction of a wide range of circumstances and of course social setting but I am going to limit this to the office conditions especially in financial institutions.
Carvel F.J (1977) say “That human relations can be pleasant and rewarding” the relationship between a secretary and co-worker, the boss and others even customers in her working environment should be very cordial in her day to day dealings. This he said will be compared with that of husband and wife, lecturers and students parents and their children.
Human relations is vital because it creates avenue for people to interact with both in offices and other parastatals because it has an influence over the nature and manner with which individual work out solutions to the problems in which they are confronted with.
The secretary with his or her psychological skills is also expected to understand different moods of co-workers, customers, the work conditions and how to arrest difficult situations in the office, how to get the best from his present group and how to take care of unexpected situation successfully.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
For a good number of reasons, secretaries in some of our financial institutions have been finding it very difficult to cope with the performance of their function as it regards to human relations. This has generated a lot of problems for secretaries.
Some of the situations are witnessed when an intolerant boss makes a mistake in the course of his duties with the secretary, but fails to admit such mistakes, rather he costs the blames on the secretary.
Struggling to meet up with the demands of these disgust executives as well as maintaining a good relationship with each other and at the same time keeping up with the demands of the job is stressful to the secretary.
Again lack of fact in performing official duties by the secretary constitute a very big problem, for instance when answering phone calls, secretaries with poor relationship radiate this attitude to phone callers.
This equally applied when handling clients affairs, because some secretaries by their positions in financial institution do not take cognizance of the client due to inefficiency in their job.
In that regards Carvel F.J (1972) say “That a problems arises when the boss finds the secretary sexually attractive. This he says creates room for insolent secretary and an awkward office relationship now prevails.
In this regard the researcher will try to find the solutions to these problems as it affects the secretary.
1.3 THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to
1. Highlights the fact that every one in the course of work comes in close contact with people.
2. Understand the meaning of work and its impact on people
3. Understand the background and development of human relations.
4. Understand the impact of human relations function on job efficiency
5. Understand the role of secretaries in organization development.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUSY
The study of the impact of human relation functions on job performance of secretaries in financial institutions is such that would have taken the researcher to different parts of the country.
But as a result of financial problems and time factor the researcher decided to ,limit the study to Enugu Urban.
1.5 SIGNFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study will be of tremendous aid to various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, to know the importance of human relations in organizations. This will go a long way to propelling the various business organizations in the country to appreciate the need for effective training of secretaries and staff on human relations.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Impact Of Human Relations On The Job Performance Of Secretaries:
The impact of human relations on the job performance of secretaries can be significant. Human relations refer to the interactions between individuals within a workplace, focusing on communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and overall interpersonal dynamics. Here are some ways in which human relations can affect the job performance of secretaries:
- Communication Skills: Effective human relations promote clear and open communication between secretaries and their colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Good communication skills help secretaries understand tasks clearly, convey information accurately, and address issues promptly, ultimately enhancing job performance.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Secretaries often work closely with other team members, including executives, managers, and fellow administrative staff. Positive human relations foster teamwork and collaboration, enabling secretaries to work efficiently with others, share responsibilities, and achieve common goals.
- Workplace Morale and Satisfaction: A supportive and respectful work environment contributes to higher morale and job satisfaction among secretaries. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and committed to their work, leading to improved job performance.
- Conflict Resolution: Conflicts may arise in any workplace, but effective human relations provide secretaries with the skills to manage conflicts constructively. By addressing conflicts promptly and respectfully, secretaries can maintain productive working relationships and minimize disruptions to their job performance.
- Emotional Intelligence: Human relations also encompass emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one’s own emotions and those of others. Secretaries with high emotional intelligence can navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively, build rapport with colleagues and clients, and adapt to different situations, ultimately enhancing their job performance.
- Customer Service Skills: Secretaries often serve as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and callers. Positive human relations enable secretaries to provide excellent customer service, fostering positive relationships with external stakeholders and reflecting well on the organization as a whole.
- Stress Management: A supportive work environment can help secretaries effectively manage stress, which is essential for maintaining job performance and overall well-being. By promoting work-life balance, offering resources for stress management, and fostering a culture of support, organizations can help secretaries perform their duties effectively even under pressure.
In summary, human relations play a crucial role in shaping the job performance of secretaries. By promoting effective communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence, organizations can create a positive work environment that enhances the productivity, satisfaction, and success of secretarial staff.