IMPACT OF BASIC OFFICE SKILLS NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE JOB PERFORMANCE BY THE OFFICE TECHNOLOGIST IN KANO STATE POLYTECHNIC

ABSTRACT This research work focuses on “impact of basic office skills needed for Effective Job Performance by the Office Technologist in Kano State Polytechnic". The objectives of this study are to ascertain the types of basic office skills needed by the Office Technologists for the effective job performance in Kano State Polytechnic, to determine the importance of Basic Office Skills Needed by the Office Technologists for Effective Job Performance in Kano State Polytechnic, to identify the problems faced by the Office Technologist in the acquisition of basic office skills, to suggest ways of solving the identified problems. Data for this research work was collected using primary and secondary sources of data. The primary source was the questionnaire while the secondary source were textbooks, journal and internet, the data was analyzed using mean statistical tools, because of the descriptive nature of the work. Based on the analysis of data obtained, the following findings where made: good communication skills, speed and accuracy skills, maintenance skills, human relations skills, and touch-typing skills, etc. are some of the skills needed by Office Technologists. Acquiring the needed skills enhances Office Technologists job performance, its importance include increase in productivity, achievement of much within little time, increase in speed and accuracy, increase in quality of work. Inadequate working equipment, inadequate professional training, irregular power supply, and lack of good working conditions and environment can be a treat to Office Technologists job performance. Based on the above findings, the researcher concluded that; an Office Technologist cannot carry out his/her job effectively without the basic office skills needed. In every organization, the Office Technologist is an important personnel and officer and more is expected of him/her. This implies that Office Technologist should possess the needed basic office skills to carry out his/her duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. The researcher recommends among others that, organization should make provision for machines/equipment needed by an Office Technologist to carry out duties effectively and efficiently, Office Technologists should be motivated towards training and development either through workshop, conference, there should be provision for good working condition and environment.