Study Of Job Prospects Of Secretaries In Some Selected Business Organization
(A Case Study Of Enugu State)
The job prospects for secretaries in selected business organizations are promising, characterized by diverse roles and responsibilities that encompass administrative support, communication facilitation, and organizational coordination. Secretaries play a vital role in maintaining efficient office operations by managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and organizing meetings. In addition to traditional clerical tasks, modern secretaries often handle digital communication, database management, and office technology, reflecting the evolving demands of contemporary workplaces. Their proficiency in multitasking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are highly valued across industries, ensuring their relevance in various organizational settings. Furthermore, secretaries may have opportunities for career advancement through specialized training, experience, and professional development initiatives, enabling them to pursue roles with increased responsibilities and leadership potential within their respective organizations.
In this study, the objective of all objectives of the researcher is to study the job prospects of secretaries in some selected business organization in Enugu State. In cause of our study, we are able to study these business organizations in Enugu. They are:
ANAMMCO NIGERIA PLC, ENUGU
UNILVER NIGERIA PLC ENUGU
NIGERIA BREWERIES ENUGU
To carry out the research, the researcher was able to discover the job prospects of secretaries.
i. Who is a secretary?
ii. Modern technology innovations and employment opportunities for secretaries
iii. Career and employment opportunities for secretaries.
iv. Job prospects of secretaries.
The relevant literature was reviewed and some reference was made to know the project of secretaries.
The researcher then used questionnaire, oral interview and direct observation in collecting the necessary data and information required. Sample size were determined and validity and reliability of instruments were known.
The researcher presented and analyzed the data gotten from the questionnaire.
Finally, the researcher after everything summarized the findings from the data gotten and resolved into making reasonable recommendations before concluding at last.
Title page
Approval page
Acknowledgement
Dedication
Abstract
List of tables
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE:
Introduction
Background of the study
Statement of the problem
Significance of the study
Purpose of the study
Delimitations of the study
Research Questions
CHAPTER TWO:
Literature Review
Modern Technology Innovations and Employment Opportunities for Secretaries
Job prospects of secretaries
Summary of literature review
CHAPTER THREE
Research design
Areas of study
Population of the study
Sources of data
Questionnaire design and allocation
Method of data collection
Data analysis procedure
CHAPTER FOUR
Data presentation and analysis
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary of findings
Conclusions
Further research
Recommendations
Limitation of the study
Bibliography
Questionnaire
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In order to carry out a meaningful research into the job prospects of secretaries, it may be necessary to attempt a definition of a secretary and the functions he/she is expected to perform. A secretary is someone who assists a top executive in the office by performing his/her secretarial duties, skillfully and who possesses the ability to relieve the executive of certain administrative tasks.
Also, Marshal (1973:2) defined secretary as an Assistant to the executive secretary as an assistant to the executive possessing mastery of office skills and ability to assume responsibility without direct supervision who displays initiative, exercises judgment and makes decision within the scope of her authority.
In the business organization, the secretary is a great asset to her boss, she is his personal organizer. She uses different typewriters, computers which are her tools in the office. She takes shorthand dictations and transcribes them to produce mailable letters. The secretary is generally the life-wire of any organization.
The secretary also performs the duties of using different filing systems to file documents,, arrangement and preparation of Board/Management meetings and prepare notices and Agenda of meetings. She also takes speeches in shorthand at conference, seminars and low courts. She also books appointments for the boss and takes care of his itinerary. The duties of the secretary is so enormous and vast that listing them will be inexhaustible.
These are various categories of secretaries in Business organization before the civil service reform of 1988 namely:
1. Confidential Secretary IV
2. Confidential Secretary III
3. Confidential Secretary II
4. Confidential Secretary I
5. Personal Secretary
(Principal Secretary Assistant Grades)
6. Personal Secretary Grade
(Principal Secretary 2)
7. Senior Personal Secretary
(Principal Secretary Assistant I)
8. Principal Personal Secretary
(Chief Secretary)
9. Bilingual Secretary
10. Verbation/Official Reports
However, the guidelines on the civil service reform of 1988 changed the titles as follows:
Old Titles New Titles
1. Principal Personal Secretary Chief Secretarial Assistant
2. Senior Personal Secretary Principal Secretariat Assistant I
3. Personal Secretary I Principal Secretarial Assistant I
4. Personal Secretary II Principal Secretarial Assistant III
5. Confidential Secretary I Principal Secretarial Assistant IV
6. Confidential Secretary II Senior Secretarial Assistant
7. Confidential Secretary III Secretarial Assistant I
8. Confidential Secretary IV Secretarial Assistant II
Though secretaries job titles have been harmononized, they do not reach the same position in rank with their bosses because they are subordinates to their bosses.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:
The secretary is faced with numerous problems, one of which is uncertainty of advancement in her job in terms of promotion, job training and lack of welfarism.
Some business organizations exploit the secretaries by not making the jobs they schedule.
In addition, she is not given the necessary incentives thus frustrated in her job.
Moreover, secretaries in some business organizations are made to stagnate or “mark time” in a grade level due to lack of promotion given to them.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is expected to bring out the job prospects of secretaries in area like job remuneration, promotion, welfare and more job training in today’s business organizations.
When these prospects are known they will motivate new entrants into the secretarial profession.
Recommendations will be made to business organizations on how to motivate secretaries. This will also make secretaries not to change their profession or be forced out of their jobs.
Moreover, this study can also serve as a future reference in the library. It can serve as future reference to both the student and the lecturer.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
1. To identify employment opportunities available to secretaries in those selected business organizations in Enugu metropolis.
2. To identify the job prospects open to secretaries in terms of promotion, welfare, job training etc.
3. To identify these facts responsible, where necessary militating against their job prospects.
4. To offer suggestions for the improvement of secretarial profession.
DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:
The study was limited to some selected business organizations in Enugu State. The following business organizations were selected.
1. Nigeria Breweries Company
2. ANAMMCO Enugu
3. Unilever Nigeria Plc.
These three organizations have been selected as to determine the job prospects of secretaries.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. Do secretaries receive their promotion when other workers are being promoted in your organization?
2. What is the highest position a secretary can attain in your organization?
3. What are the secretaries other employment opportunities apart from office work?
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Job Prospects Of Secretaries In Some Selected Business Organization:
The job prospects for secretaries in business organizations can vary depending on factors such as the industry, location, level of experience, and the specific skills possessed by the secretary. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the job prospects for secretaries in various types of business organizations:
Corporate Offices:
Secretaries in corporate offices often play a crucial role in managing administrative tasks, scheduling meetings, and coordinating communications. Job prospects are generally stable in large corporations that require administrative support.
Legal Firms:
Legal secretaries provide administrative assistance to lawyers and paralegals. The demand for legal secretaries may vary, but experienced individuals with knowledge of legal terminology and processes can have good job prospects.
Medical Facilities:
Medical secretaries work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. As the healthcare sector continues to grow, job prospects for medical secretaries are generally favorable, especially for those with knowledge of medical terminology and electronic health records systems.
Nonprofit Organizations:
Secretaries in nonprofit organizations handle various administrative tasks, including donor relations and event planning. Job prospects may depend on the financial health of the nonprofit sector in a given region.
Small Businesses:
Small businesses may hire secretaries to manage day-to-day administrative tasks. Job prospects can be influenced by the economic conditions and growth of small businesses in a specific area.
Government Agencies:
Government agencies at the local, state, or federal level often employ secretaries for administrative support. Job prospects may vary depending on government budget allocations.
Educational Institutions:
Secretaries in schools, colleges, and universities assist with administrative tasks related to student records, faculty support, and event coordination. Job prospects may be influenced by enrollment levels and education budgets.
Technology Companies:
Secretaries in technology firms may be responsible for managing office operations and providing administrative support to technical teams. Job prospects can be influenced by the growth of the tech industry.
Financial Institutions:
Banks and financial institutions often hire secretaries to assist with customer service, administrative tasks, and document management. Job prospects may depend on the financial sector’s stability.
To enhance job prospects as a secretary, individuals can consider acquiring relevant skills such as proficiency in office software, strong organizational abilities, excellent communication skills, and adaptability to new technologies. Networking and staying updated on industry trends can also be beneficial when seeking employment in various business organizations. Additionally, pursuing relevant certifications or specialized training can make a secretary more competitive in the job market.