MICROSOFT OFFICE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED BY SECRETARIES FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The study identified Microsoft office competencies required by secretaries for effective job 
performance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Three research 
questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised of 28 directors in four selected 
organizations in Minna Metropololis. The entire population was used for the study because it was 
sizeable and manageable. The study therefore adopted census sampling technique. The 
instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire which was validated by three research 
experts in the department of Office Technology and Management, The Federal Polytechnic Bida. 
The researchers administered 28 copies of the questionnaire and retrieved only 25 copies for the 
study. However, 3 copies were not retrieved. Mean and standard deviation were the statistical 
tools used for data analysis. Findings from data analysis revealed among others that ability to 
manipulate keyboard for word processing (Mean=3.35 & SD=0.97), ability to insert and edit 
multimedia element (Mean=3.31 & SD=0.50), ability to create engaging and interacting 
multimedia contents(Mean= 3.18 & SD=0.85), ability to utilize online meeting tools (Mean= 
3.22 & SD=0.94), ability to create and manage queries(Mean= 3.87 & SD=0.53), skills for data 
analysis and reporting techniques (Mean=3.88 & SD=0.57) were the Microsoft office 
competencies required by secretaries for effective job performance. The study concluded that 
secretaries must possess Microsoft Word competencies that enable them to effectively utilize 
Microsoft facilities without which they may become redundant or be out of job in this modern day 
of rapid technological advancement. The study therefore recommended among others that 
secretaries in the selected organizations should constantly seek avenue to update their knowledge 
and skills of Microsoft office applications in order to maintain their job and for effective 
performance.