CHAPTER ONE
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
BACKGROUND
OF THE STUDY
It
sounds rather ironic that at a time when the opposition and controversy to the
activities of the principal players on the global stage are growing
increasingly harsh and more loud, we have chosen as our theme for this research
“THE EFFECT OF GLOBALIZATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON OFFICE SERVICES”.
Globalization
appears to be the most noticeable. Tough described by many as an elusive trend,
globalization is a multi-dimensional, highly complex process with tending forms
and a complex mix of effects in all places it touches. It is a process that has
been referred to as “multi-faceted in its operation, massive in its reach and
implications and elusive as a concept” Dele and Robertson (2003:14).
Globalization,
the term may be relatively new one. But the development it refers to has been
known for quite a long time. In African for example the movement and traffic in
human beings and other resources across the Sahara into the Arab world, and
later across the Atlantic into the American
and European were definitely a significant episode in the process. Similarly,
the sustained Islamic and Christian missionary campaigns in Africa
as well as the subsequent colonization and domination of the continent by
foreign powers marked another important phrase. But in the modern and restarted
sense in which the concept is used today, globalization as such refers to “The
forging of a multiplicity of linkages and interconnections between state and
societies, which make up the modern world system”. Allen and Thomas,
(2000:20). The process aim at making the
world into one large global village /neighbourhood so that events, decision and
activities in one part can come tot have significant consequences for people
and communities in quite distant parts. The concept of globalization, as Ahrens
explains has made a remarkable career in recent years because world wide
processes in the field of economics, communication, transport of ideas, and
migration of religion have gained such an enormous speed that in many people’s
consciousness it appears as if our globe were shrinking Ahrens (2000:286).
Social relations acquire as it were relatively distance less and borderless
qualities as human beings are turned into actors in a single but open stage
with their actions and interactions more and more being conducted and organized
on the basis of one world unit. Globalization has significant military,
political, legal and cultural dimensions.
Information
Technology has replaced the traditional equipment used by a secretary and the
way in which secretarial task are performed is being modified. In the next ten
years, as organizations try to stop the missing cost of paper work and to
provide more information in a timely, usable format, electronic technology will
be extended to the executive/managerial work station Iredia, (2002).
Information
technology abbreviated as (IT) is an act of the technology computer and communication.
In the word of Carroll, information technology is “term that describes the
disciplines encompassing computer system, telecommunication networks and multi
media applications”.
Globalization
is no doubt producing new ways of using and thinking about information
technology. It is universally acknowledged that globalization requires as well
as produces new channels, networks and practices of communication which are not
dependant on state or quality. Globalization narrowly refers to the growing economic
interdependence of countries world wide Kevin (2001:116).
Office
service according to Mark (2003:11) are work that are being carried out in the
office by the office professionals e.g. telephone answering services, from
message bas, transcription, editing document, design and many other office
services.
1.2
STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
This
research work is focused on the effects of Globalization of information
technology on office service. It has been observed that organizations both
company, government and private in Nigeria has been left behind not
really moving at the pace at which this technology
Despite
the provision of office equipment, office service providers lack the skills and
knowledge to handle or in performing their duties using modern information
technology because they are not being trained by the organizations to acquire
the necessary skills they need.
Moreover,
some organizations find it difficult to adopt to the changes of information
technology. The changes that information technology is bringing to individuals
and economics are creating significant new uncertainties. Organizations and
people are forced to adapt to new circumstances and to new requirements at the
work place and outside, and these adaptation processes are complicated and often
initially difficult.
However,
there is the fear of losing ones job due to information (electronics)
technology explosion and the fear of complex equipment being introduced into
the system the fear of secretarial ability and skills changes, also the fear of
changes in secretarial job title.
1.3
PURPOSE
OF THE STUDY
This
study is designed towards identifying some of the effects of globalization of
information technology on office services. Specifically this study is out to:
1)
To find out the effect of
globalization of information technology on office services
2)
To determine the prospects of
globalization of information technology on office services
3)
To find out the effect of
globalization on office productivity.
4)
To find out the difficulties
that organization encounter when using information technology for office
services delivery.
1.4
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
1)
What are the effects of
globalization on office
2)
What role does globalization
play in the development of professional secretaries
3)
What are the prospects of
globalization of information technology on office services
4)
What are the problems /
difficulties encountered in the use of information technology for office
delivery?
5)
What are the likely remedies
for alleviating these problems?
1.5
SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
The
study will be beneficial to the following categories of persons:
1)
The Federal Polytechnic Kaura
Namoda
2)
Students who are in information
technology field (IT)
3)
Government: The government
through this study will also be encouraged to apply more of globalization,
information technology in the flow of information between various levels of its
workers.
4)
Give insight to areas of
further studies for the researchers
1.6
DELIMITATION
OF THE STUDY
This
study is restricted to an organization of Zamfara State Kaura Namoda.
Information is to be obtained through the administration of questionnaire on
both employers and employees,
1.7
LIMITATION
OF THE STUDY
1)
The result of this study may be
affected by variable beyond the control of the researcher.
2)
The extent to which respondents
provide reliable information accurate and current dispositions in career
progression. In the field will affect the quality of the outcome.
1.8
BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC KAURA NAMODA
The
Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda is out of seven federal polytechnics
established by decree No 33 of 25th July 1976, as oriented 1985. The
decree posited that following function for the polytechnic as follows:-
1)
To provide full time; part time
courses of instruction and training in technology, applied science, commerce
and management is such order filed of applied learning relevant due to need of
the management of Nigeria.
2)
To prepare such further functions
as the opinion of the council may serve provide the objective of the
polytechnic. Based on the functions the federal polytechnic, Kaura Namoda come
into being on February 1985 with Alhaji Jafaru B. Ango as the first Rector,
Academic programme stated in. the department of Accountancy, Business
Administration, Secretary Studies, Architectural Technology, Building
Technology and Quantity Surveying with approval of National Board for Technical
Education (NBTE) in 1985.
The schools employment polices all members of staff and give
loan to staff. Institutions concentration training student at both national
diploma and higher national diploma levels, later in the additional of many
departments.