THE EVOLVING ROLES OF PROFESSIONALLY-TRAINED SECRETARIES IN A DIGITAL ERA
Keywords:
Digital Age, Digital Competencies, Job Performance, Professional Development, Private Establishments, Technological Adaptation.Abstract
The role of professionally-trained secretaries in private establishments has undergone significant transformation with the advent of digital technologies. This study explores the evolving roles of professionally-trained secretaries in Ijebu-Ode Local Government, by empirically examining how digital advancements have reshaped their responsibilities, required skills, and professional development. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, the study investigates the impact of digital tools on secretarial work, highlighting the increased need for digital literacy in areas such as document management, virtual meetings, and communication platforms. A sample of 100 professionally-trained secretaries from private establishments was surveyed, using a structured questionnaire. The study's findings revealed that digital competencies are critical to job performance, with professionally-trained secretaries facing challenges in adapting to new technologies. It also showed that effective training programs significantly enhance digital skills, enabling professionally-trained secretaries to support organizational goals more effectively. This research underscores the importance of continuous professional development to keep pace with technological changes, positioning professionally-trained secretaries as integral contributors to organizational efficiency in the digital age. The study recommends among others that Organizations should provide regular training programmes to enhance the digital skills of professionally-trained secretaries. These programmes should cover the latest digital tools and technologies relevant to secretarial roles.
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