MICROSOFT OFFICE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED BY SECRETARIES FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE

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.