Attitude Of Secretaries Towards The Use Of Modern Office Machines

(A Case Study of Some Selected Commercial Banks In Enugu Urban)

The role of secretaries in contemporary workplaces has evolved significantly, with a pronounced shift in their responsibilities due to the integration of modern office machines. Embracing technology has become paramount for efficiency in administrative tasks, prompting secretaries to adapt their attitudes towards these tools. The incorporation of advanced office machines such as computers, printers, and communication devices has revolutionized the way secretaries manage data, streamline communication, and enhance productivity. Initially met with skepticism, many secretaries now recognize the transformative impact of these tools on their daily workflow. The integration of modern office machines not only expedites routine tasks but also empowers secretaries to take on more strategic roles within the organization. As secretaries increasingly find themselves at the intersection of technology and administration, their attitudes towards modern office machines have shifted from initial hesitation to a recognition of their instrumental role in fostering efficiency and effectiveness in the contemporary workplace.

ABSTRACT

This project is aimed at studying the attitude of secretaries towards the use of modern office machines.
In the course of carrying out this project, the effect of these modern office machine on the productivity of secretaries was discussed.
The research paper also focused on the uses and importance of these modern office machine.
In order to arrive at a conclusive decision on the above objectives, literature were reviewed.
The statistical tools used are simple average and percentage.
When the data was analysed, it was found that secretaries are more effective and productive with the use of modern office machines. Modern office machines also make the secretaries enjoy their work. With modern office machines, secretaries are positively and favourably exposed to work efficiently in their various offices.
The researchers recommended that secretaries should keep in touch with technological advancement so that they would be able to grasp any opportunity that presents itself.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
Statement of the problem
Purpose of the study
Significance of the study
Research questions
Scope of the study

CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
Classification of modern office machines
The importance of modern office machines
The effect of thee modern office machines on the productivity of the secretary
Attitude of secretaries towards the use of modern office machines
Problems secretaries encounter in the use of modern office machines
Summary of literature review

CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHOD AND PROCEDURES
Research Methodology
Research Design
Questionnaire Administration
Population of the study
Sample
Method of data collection
Statistical Analysis of Data

CHAPTER FOUR:
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Data Analysis – Research Questions and Findings
Discussion on findings.

CHAPTER FIVE:
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:
Summary of findings
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Appendixes

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
A lot of people’s imagination about the concept of electronic office and media has given the topic a wide coverage in both civil service and business circles. Major changes n the office work have been affected by technological innovations, right from the days of industrial revolution from the idea of an automatic electronics and paperless office is still currently challenging many of the traditionally accepted practices of office work.
Today, we live in computerized or technological era and there are a lot of changes in the equipment used in the modern office and this brought about the belief by some people that these modern office machines such as telex machines, electronic typewriters etc. serve as a threat to secretarial profession and may tend to erase completely the secretary from the business and civil service industries.
With this assertion, we want to find out what actually is the attitude and reactions of secretaries towards the use of these modern office machines, if they have negative attitude towards the use of these modern office machines, then it is obvious that the work in the office will not be perfectly and efficiently done and the companies or government parastatals will suffer because of the inability of the secretary to handle these modern machines, where they have positive attitude towards the use of these modern office machines, it will yield good results to the companies and parastatals. This will then show that the secretaries will gain a lot from the use of these modern machines and that these machines are mere robots and can only do work when being operated by the secretary.
This project also proposes to uncover the fact that the use of modern office machines is indispensable to secretary and that this does not pose a threat to the secretarial profession and that despite the use of such machines the secretary will still be in demand in an organization. At attempt is also made in this work to establish the fact that these machines serve as an aid to the secretary and as well exist to help her achieve her approved services and better performance on the job.
An evidence is presented in this project to support the fact that the elimination of the secretary completely form the industry may not be possible in the near future. Such human resources are still the major factors in improving a satisfactory secretarial services and machines cannot perform duties like taking down minutes at a meeting, use of initiative to tackle problems in the office work etc.
Data collection is being carried out by distributing questionnaire to both male and female secretaries in some selected commercial banks in Enugu urban and some of the executives of these banks are interviewed to find out actually their views about the attitude of the secretaries towards the use of modern office machines.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
Nowadays, the jobs which are done by human beings have been taken over by computers and this is as a result of technological development. Some people also believe that modern office machines which came as a result of technology have displaced the secretary from her work.
The problem now is – what is the attitude of the secretaries towards the use of modern office machines? Has these machines been favourable or unfavourable to the secretary? These questions are important because the attitude of secretaries to modern office machines could affect their job performance and subsequently industrial and national growth and development of our country Nigeria.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
The major purpose of this study is to find out the attitude of secretaries towards the use of modern office machines. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1. Find out the effects of these modern office machines on the productivity of the secretary.
2. Examine the attitude of secretaries towards the use of these modern office machines.
3. Examine whether secretaries are employed towards the use of modern office machines.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:
This study will be useful in the following areas:
1. It will promote better understanding of the problems that hinges on the use of modern office machines.
2. It will help in bringing out properly the line of action that will facilitate solving the identified problems.
3. It will serve as a useful price growth for the development of secretarial studies in IMT, Enugu and the public at large.
4. It will also serve as a resource material for the department/school library.
The student will benefit from the study because after knowing everything concerning the modern office machine and the attitudes of the secretaries towards them, he/she will be able to take corrections where necessary and get herself prepared for future work on the office modern machines.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. What are the effects of the modern office machines on the productivity of the secretary?
2. What are the attitudes of secretarial towards the use of modern office machines?
3. To what extent are secretaries employed towards the use of modern office machines?

SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
This research work covers four banks that employed qualified secretaries and the top executives from these banks in Enugu urban.

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Attitude Of Secretaries Towards The Use Of Modern Office Machines:

The attitude of secretaries towards the use of modern office machines can vary based on individual preferences, job requirements, and the specific technology in question. Here are some common attitudes that secretaries may have towards modern office machines:

  1. Positive Attitude:
    • Increased Efficiency: Secretaries may appreciate modern office machines for their ability to streamline tasks and increase efficiency. For example, computers, printers, and scanners can help automate various administrative processes.
    • Time-saving: Modern machines can help save time on routine tasks, allowing secretaries to focus on more strategic and complex aspects of their work.
    • Enhanced Communication: Tools like email and messaging systems can facilitate faster and more effective communication within the office.
  2. Neutral Attitude:
    • Adaptation: Some secretaries may view modern office machines as tools they need to adapt to as part of their job. Their attitude depends on their comfort level and experience with technology.
    • Job Requirements: If the use of modern office machines is a requirement for the job, secretaries may accept them as a part of their routine without particularly favoring or opposing them.
  3. Negative Attitude:
    • Learning Curve: Secretaries who find it challenging to adapt to new technologies may have a negative attitude towards modern office machines. They may perceive a steep learning curve or fear that their skills may become outdated.
    • Job Insecurity: In some cases, the introduction of advanced machines might be associated with job automation, leading to concerns about job security among secretaries.
    • Technical Issues: If modern office machines frequently encounter technical issues or are perceived as unreliable, secretaries may develop a negative attitude towards them.
  4. Dependence on Traditional Methods:
    • Preference for Manual Processes: Some secretaries may have a preference for traditional manual methods over modern machines. They might feel more comfortable with paperwork or manual record-keeping.
    • Resistance to Change: A resistance to change is a common factor when dealing with new technologies. Secretaries who are accustomed to traditional methods may resist adopting modern office machines.
  5. Cost Considerations:
    • Budget Constraints: If the organization faces budget constraints, secretaries might view the implementation of modern office machines as an unnecessary expense.
    • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Secretaries may weigh the benefits of modern machines against their costs, influencing their attitude based on the perceived value for the organization.

It’s essential for organizations to provide adequate training and support to help secretaries adapt to new technologies. Additionally, considering the preferences and concerns of individual secretaries can contribute to a smoother transition and a more positive overall attitude towards the use of modern office machines.