DIGITAL SKILLS AND DECENT WORK HABITS EXPECTED OF SECRETARIES FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, BIDA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Federal Polytechnic, Bida in order to identify digital skills and decent work-habits expected of secretaries for effective job performance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 34 head of departments in The Federal Polytechnic, Bida.  Two research questions guided the study. Structured questionnaire was the research instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was placed on modified four point Likert rating scale of Strong Agreed (4), Agreed (3), Disagreed (2) and Strongly Disagreed (1). The instrument was validated by three research experts in Office Technology and Management, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida. Mean and standard deviation were the statistical tools used to analyze the data collected from the respondents. Findings from the data analysis revealed amongst others that ability to use the computer for information and data processing, ability to share devices with other networks are the digital skills expected to be possessed by secretaries for effective job performance.  Punctuality to work, showing kindness, and ability to work in teams are the decent work-habits expected to be displayed by secretaries at workplace for effective job performance. The study concludes that digital technology skills and decent work-habits are germane to effective job performance of secretaries in today’s business world. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the researchers recommended amongst others that The Federal Polytechnic, Bida should organize training for secretaries on the acquisition of digital technology skills, secretaries on the other should make personal efforts to acquire digital skills and display decent habits at workplace as these skills open up opportunities for development for both the Polytechnic and the secretaries which also lead to effective job performance.