The data was gathered mainly through questionnaire. The fifty questionnaires were given to ten (10) selected business and public organizations and the number returned was forty (40) duly completed. The data gathered were then presented, analyzed and interpreted using simple percentage.

The researcher made references to books in the library and unpublished articles, which enable some ideas to be deduced, that aided the research work.

When the data was analyzed, certain problems were identified which include sexual abuse, insecurity, inadequacy of modern machines, abuse of secretary’s role etc.

However, the effects were noticeable no matter where and for whatever reason. Prominent among them was the low morale of the secretary who worked without motivation and incentive. The morale of the secretary will determine the output and this can account for the growth of the organization.

Nevertheless, the researcher made some recommendations, which include; financial rewards should be complimented with other incentives. Efforts should be made to provide good working equipment and materials for effective performance. The management should introduce in-service or on-the-job training for workers to improve their services. The authorities should promote their staff as and when due, and increase their salaries at the right time and also pay their legitimate claims to meet up with challenging needs. Workers should be made to understand that the more effort they put in, the happier they would become with their job. The heads of the various departments and their staff should try and have a cordial relationship between them, as this will not only increase the organization’s productivity but also workers will be at peace with their work.

Finally, although the researcher encountered the usual handicap normally associated with this type of exercise, she was able to surmount them.

Title Page i

Approval page ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract v

Table of Contents viii

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem 2

1.3 Purpose of the study 3

1.4 Significance of the study 3

1.5 Scope of the study 4

1.6 Research Questions 5

1.7 Definition of Terms 5

Chapter Two

2.0 Review of Related Literature 8

2.1 The Concept of Secretary 8

2.2 What is Business and Public Organizations 12

2.3 Categories of Secretaries 14

2.4 Qualities of a Secretary 14

2.5 The Role of a Secretary 19

2.6 Duties of a Secretary 23

2.7 Lack of Recognition of the Secretary 26

2.8 The Secretary and Job Motivation 27

2.9 The Secretary and Technological Innovations 28

Chapter Three

3.0 Research Design and Methodology 31

3.1 Design of the Study 31

3.2 Population of the Study and Sample Size 32

3.3 Area of Study 32

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection 33

3.5 Validity and Reliability of Research Instrument 34

3.6 Method of Data Analysis 34

Chapter Four

4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis 36

Chapter Five

5.0 Summary of Findings, Recommendations

and Conclusion 57

5.1 Introduction 57

5.2 Summary of Findings 57

5.3 Recommendations 59

5.4 Conclusions 61

5.5 Limitations of the Study 62

References 63

Appendix: Sample of Research Questionnaire 64

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The secretary is beset with a lot of problems in the course of discharging her duties or responsibilities, in both business and public organizations. These problems may arise from both the job environment and from her duties.

Thus, the functions of a secretary in both business and public organizations are that of coordinating personnel of various arms of an establishment that pass through her and she is responsible for channeling each of the correspondence to the appropriate office for action. Secretaries are pivots on which management revolves and she is the life wire of an organization. This means that she is expected to be the communication link between the organization and the outside world as well as within the organization. It is her duty to ensure that information is passed across.

Hence, the aim of the researcher in tackling this topic is to identify the numerous problems that faced a secretary in carrying out his or her duties. The researcher will also use this opportunity to recommend a lasting solution to these problems. This topic is wroth investigating because the researcher will attempt to expose the problems and provide solutions to secretarial functions. The topic is worth investigating because the researcher will attempt to expose the problems and provide solutions to secretarial functions. The topic will also be very useful to both the private and public organizations.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problems encountered by secretaries have been characterized by a lot of phenomenal changes in recent times. Most of these problems are caused mainly by the management of both private business and public organizations, thereby hindering the activities or duties of the secretary in the organization.

Further, it has been noticed that the secretary is faced with a lot of problems such as inadequate provision of facilities, inadequate remuneration, abuse of roles of the secretary and over/under utilization of the secretary.

This study is therefore designed to address the problems encountered by the secretary in business and public organizations in Imo State.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed at;

i. Identifying the problems encountered by the secretary in the course of discharging her duties in selected business and public organizations.

ii. Identifying the effects of these problems on the secretary in particular and the organization in general.

iii. Suggesting ways of motivating the secretary to be efficient and effective in the performance of her duties.

iv. Making recommendations for solution to the problems of the secretary.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The problems encountered by the secretary when identified could help the public and business organizations to improve the working conditions of the secretary.

In the same way, the problems when identified would enlighten the new entrants into the profession to understand that the profession is not free from problems. The study will identify ways of motivating a secretary for optimal performance and better utilization.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

There are numerous business and public organizations in Imo State; the researcher will limit her research to ten organizations. Six (6) business and four (4) public organizations, the six business organizations are:

1. United Bank for Africa Plc

2. British American Insurance Company Limited

3. International Standard Insurance

4. Rank Xerox

5. Rokana Industries Limited

6. Hallmark Bank Limited

and four public organizations that include

1. Ministry of Works and Transport

2. Imo State Sports Council

3. National Electric Power Authority

4. Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL)