APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS TO SECRETARIAL FUNCTIONS IN CONTEMPORARY OFFICES

Abstract

The advent of Artificial Intelligence brought tremendous transformation to modern office in today’s digital world. The study investigated application of artificial intelligence to secretarial functions in contemporary Offices. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. Two research questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised 94 secretaries/office professionals in two public polytechnics in Osun State. A census survey was employed for the study. A structured questionnaire with 25 items was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Business and Entrepreneurship Education, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data collected in order to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that artificial intelligence tools were utilized to a great extent for document and information management by office professionals in contemporary offices and it was concluded that application of artificial intelligence tools to secretarial functions has potential prospects thereby enhancing the role of office professionals in contemporary office. The application of artificial intelligence tools also encounters significant constraints that hinder the effective use of artificial intelligence-driven initiatives in contemporary office. It was recommended among others that management of organizations should organize training for office professionals on artificial intelligence tools for effective use in offices while adequate artificial intelligence tools should be provided with enabling environment that will enhance acquisition of artificial intelligence skills for effective job performance in contemporary world of work and business.