THE EFFECT OF AUTOMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS IN AN ORGANIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF SSEKAANA & ASSOCIATED ADVOCATES AND CONSULTANTS
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction This chapter presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, research questions, scope of the study, and significance of the study.
1.1 Background to the Study In today’s fast-paced business environment, every organization — whether in government, industry, or other sectors — requires accurate and timely information for effective decision-making. Administrative assistants play a vital role in providing this support. In the past, managers dictated memos and letters while administrative assistants typed them manually. However, modern organizations have adopted word processing centers, personal computers, and electronic mail systems to reduce reliance on traditional administrative support and significantly improve productivity (Osuala, 2004).
An administrative assistant is a person who supports top management or staff members by performing a wide range of administrative tasks to ensure smooth office operations (WordNet, 2008). Over the past few decades, rapid technological advancements have transformed the office environment. Administrative assistants now have access to various technologically advanced tools that enhance efficiency and productivity, enabling faster access to goods and services globally (Wofersohn, 2001).
These modern office technologies include computers, electronic mail, voice mail, the internet, word processors, fax machines, photocopiers, and electronic pocket organizers (Lucas, 2007). As a result, the traditional role of administrative assistants — which mainly involved typing, shorthand dictation, and handling telephone calls — has evolved dramatically. Today’s administrative assistants are expected to be proficient in using advanced office technologies, including the internet, which makes work easier and knowledge more accessible (Edwin, 2008).
For organizations such as Ssekaana & Associated Advocates and Consultants to achieve their strategic objectives, they employ a significant number of administrative assistants to handle clerical and administrative tasks (Ssekaana, 2016). This study therefore seeks to examine the effect of automation on the performance of administrative assistants in an organization, with specific reference to Ssekaana & Associated Advocates and Consultants.
1.2 Statement of the Problem The introduction of sophisticated technological equipment into modern offices has significantly changed the role of administrative assistants. Duniya (2011) observed that administrative assistants must now acquire new skills and competencies to cope with the demands of the electronic office. Continuous advancement in technology has affected the quality, speed, and accuracy of work performed by administrative assistants (Appah & Emeh, 2011). Despite these changes, many organizations still face challenges in fully harnessing the benefits of automation to improve administrative assistant performance. This study is therefore undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of automation on the performance of administrative assistants in an organization.
1.3 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of automation on the performance of administrative assistants in an organization, with specific reference to Ssekaana & Associated Advocates and Consultants.
1.4 Specific Objectives The study aims to achieve the following objectives: i. To identify the range of new office technologies used by administrative assistants. ii. To examine the indicators of performance of administrative assistants. iii. To establish the relationship between automation and performance of administrative assistants.
1.5 Research Questions The following research questions will guide the study: i. What new office technologies are used by administrative assistants? ii. What are the indicators of performance of administrative assistants? iii. What is the relationship between automation and performance of administrative assistants?
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.6.1 Content Scope The study focuses on examining the effect of automation on the performance of administrative assistants. Specifically, it seeks to identify the range of new office technologies used, examine performance indicators, and establish the relationship between automation and performance.
1.6.2 Geographical Scope The study will be conducted at Ssekaana & Associated Advocates and Consultants, located at Colline House, Pilkington Road, Plot 4, Suite No. 6, 3rd Floor, Kampala, Uganda.
1.6.3 Time Scope The study will consider data covering the period 2010–2016 from the organization. The research itself will be carried out over a period of four months, from April to August 2017. Literature review will cover materials published between 2000 and 2017.
1.7 Significance of the Study The findings of this study will be beneficial to various stakeholders:
- To policymakers: The results will provide a benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of new office technologies and defining key productivity factors in office environments.
- To other organizations: The findings will help organizations improve the use of automation to enhance the performance of administrative assistants.
- To employees: The study will highlight the benefits of automation and how it can improve individual performance.
- To future researchers: This study will serve as a foundation and reference point for further research on automation and administrative assistant performance.
