Computer-Based Competencies Needed by Administrative Supervisors and Executive Secretaries for Effective Work Performance: A Case of Universities in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, the issue of computer based competencies is crucial for the survival of secretaries and their administrative supervisors for effective work performance and advancement in career. Yet, many secretaries and their administrative supervisors are technologically lagging behind and secretarial/office information management students in our universities are not sufficiently exposed to computer technologies in modern office, hence, the need to examine whether computer-based competencies by administrative supervisors and secretaries are needed for effective work performance among selected universities in South-South region of Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design and two (2) research questions and two (2) research hypotheses were developed. The study population consists of one hundred and forty-six (146) secretaries and administrative supervisors. Data gathered through questionnaire were tested for reliability via the test-re- test method and the Cronbach alpha reliability result of 0.97 was obtained. Descriptive statistics(mean and standard deviations) were used to provide answers to the research questions while inferential statistics (Z-test) was employed to validate the relevant hypotheses. Findings showed that database management and PowerPoint presentation applications are needed by secretaries and administrative supervisors for effective work performance. On the basis of the findings, relevant recommendations were made proffered towards improving the performance of secretaries and administrative supervisors in Nigerian universities.