A Study Of The Environmental Factors That Can Enhance The Performance Of Secretaries In Selected Ministries In Enugu State

A STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT CAN ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF SECRETARIES IN SELECTED MINISTRIES IN ENUGU STATE

ABSTRACT

The major concern of this research is to investigate on the environmental factors that can enhance the performance of secretaries in the selected ministries in Enugu State. Four research questions were formulated in this work. The researcher found the use of percentage as the most appropriate method of analyzing the data collected. The population of the study is eight and the whole population was studied. Data for this study were gathered by means of questionnaire which were distributed to respondents by the researcher. In the process of carrying out the study, the findings made was that when secretaries are provided with all these environmental factors, it effects their willingness to work harder and improve on the performance level and when all these factors are lacking, it affects their job satisfaction and productivity. Base on the findings it was concluded that adequate ventilation, good decoration, good lightening, cleanliness, sanitary convenience etc are all among the factors that can enhance the performance of secretaries, and it is only when these factors are produced that they always feel very happy and comfortable to discharged these functions effectively. Based on those findings and conclusion, it was recommended that governments and employers should endeavor to provide these environmental factors that can enhance the performance of secretaries for them to concentrate and relax to put in their best in work  

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the Study

Organizations are established to achieve certain objectives. Combination of certain factors will lead to the achievement of the objectives. Therefore, if a worker does not play his role very well other factors will not contribute in achieving the objectives.

Performance of workers are based on the influence of certain factors which could either be environmental or internal to man. Environmental factors are those things in the work place like good ventilation, decoration, lightening, cleanliness, sanitary conveniences, sitting facilities and low tuned sound like good melody which can help secretaries work efficiently for long period without fatigue and distraction so that work can be carried out smoothly and effectively.

Concentrated work demands broadly two things: a clean brain and no distraction. Some people are born with ability to reason and make mental calculations readily but those people are exceptional.

Exceptional are those who are able to concentrate over long periods, ignoring the distractions surrounding them. But when a person do not have a natural ability for concentration his performance is effected by environmental pollution.

Then, it is the duty of the office management to provide for his workers condition conducive to sustain good work, bearing in mind that he is providing for average people, whose jobs are only of average interest.

This topic is concerned principally with the providing of condition conducive to good work and good personal relations. To meet these needs, conditions may often have to bother on those demanded by law, especially those provided by Office and railway Act 1963, an Act of the parliament of United Kingdom. This Act, in sections 4 to 16 defined general broad requirements for safe and healthy work place working conditions which includes: cleanliness, overcrowding, temperature, ventilation, lighting, sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, supply of drinking water, sitting facilities etc.

My primary aim is to assess the contributions of good office environmental factors to the performance of secretaries in the selected ministries in Enugu State.

1.2      Statement of the Problems

The problems associated with environmental factors that can enhance or retard the performance of secretaries in the selected ministries in Enugu State have been outstanding issues. This is because little or no attention is given to those factors and its applications.

These factors includes: Lack of good ventilation. Most offices are left to become hot and stuff thus causing drowsiness to the workers, shown down work and causes bad or poor performance.

Another problems is a poor decoration system which makes the modern building look unattractive. There is also lack of good lightening which can cause the interior quality work to be poor. It can also cause secretaries to make typing errors which can make her work to be very untidy or can even cause ill health to her or strain her eyes.

Also, there is a problem of unhealthy workplace which includes; cleanliness, overcrowding, temperature, sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, supply of drinking water, Accommodation for clothing, sitting facilities, seating for sedentary work, eating facilities, construction and maintenance of floors, stair ways and passages which can affect the productivity or performance of secretaries.

1.3      Purpose of the Study

Specifically the study seeks to:

1)          Ascertain the environmental factors that effect the performance of secretaries.

2)          Determine the external environmental factors that affect secretaries.

3)          Find out the environmental factors that enhance the qualities attributed to secretaries.

4)          Ascertain the environmental factors that enhance the performance of secretaries  

1.4      Scope of the Study

This study is delimited to Ministry of Education, former co-operative and Commerce Bank Building, opposite NEPA Office Enugu and Ministry of information PMB, 01038 Enugu, behind NEPA office to ascertain the factors that can enhance the performance of secretaries.

1.5      Significance of the Study

The result of this study will be useful to secretaries and other employees in the organizations to enable them discharge their duties where proper environmental conditions are lacking.

Also organizations and employers will benefit from this study by knowing the specified good environment that will enhance secretaries’ performance.

The study will also make government agencies and employers more aware of the importance of providing these conditions for secretaries to ensure maximum efficiency on productivity.

1.6      Research Questions

The following research questions will be used for this project:

1)          What are the environmental factors that effect the performance of secretaries?

2)          How can external environmental factors that effect secretaries be determined?

3)          What are the environmental factors that can enhance the qualities attributed to secretaries?

4)          How can the environmental factors that enhance the performance of secretaries be ascertained?