International Journal of Innovative Information Systems

& Technology Research 8(4):22-31, Oct-Dec., 2020

© SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2020 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2467-8562

Influence of Information and Communication

Technology Skills on Office Managers’ Performance
in Private Industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Oni, Faith Jeminat & M. N. Koko

Department of Business Education

Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
The study investigated the influence of information and communication technology skills on office
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The study adopted a
descriptive survey design. The population for the study consisted of 134 oil and Gas private
industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis, in River State. The sample for the study was 145 respondent's
male and female office managers, 30% was used to select one hundred (100) private industries from
the population to get the sample size, purposive simple random sample techniques was used to get 145
office managers as sample size. Two research questions were posed while four null hypotheses were
formulated. The instrument used for data collection in the study was titled "Influence of Information
and Communication Technology Skills on Office Managers’ Performance in Private Industries in Port
Harcourt. (ICTOMP)”. A test re-test method was used to obtain and to establish coefficient of stability
of 0.77. The data collected for the study were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and
standard deviation to answer the responses of the research questions, while the null hypotheses were
tested using z-test. The findings revealed that computer appreciation skills, database management
skills greatly influence office managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt. Based on
the findings; some recommendation were made: Training in the use of office equipment should be
carried out on a quarterly basis to increase the knowledge level of managers and subsequently their
performance; There is need for equipping and keeping other staff of the industry on the “know” of the
use of modern technological gadgets for easy communication with management staffs.
Keywords: Skills, Office Managers, Performance, Private Industries, Computer Skills.

INTRODUCTION
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) involves the use of computers and other
electronic devices to process information. Nworgu (2008) stated that information and communication
technology refer to a whole range of facilities or technologies involved in information processing and
electronic communication to be handled with skills and expertise, for effective achievement and
realization of its potentials in office. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed
the face of offices and consequently made business environments to wear a new look. This is
particularly noticeable in the area of office administration and management (Valasidou, 2008).
Valasidou stated further that information and communication gadgets, equipment and facilities
improve the way message is preserved, recalled, shared and relayed for information and
communication purposes. The electronic systems are now available for the performance of many
functions that were formerly done manually in the office. This makes for greater effectiveness and
efficiency in the performance of managers in office activities.
New digital machines and electronic equipment now make for faster, neater, more accurate and more
reliable outputs. Most activities of office managers and their assistants are now based on the use of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which promotes organizational performance and
efficiency. As a result of the introduction of new ideas by Information and Communication
Technology (ICT), the world has become a global village. Ofurum and Ogbonna (2008), in their view

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stated that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the combination of computing,
telecommunication and video techniques for the purpose of acquiring, processing, storing, and
disseminating vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information. These basic objectives of ICT are
made possible through the computing, telecommunication and video techniques. The computing
techniques provide the capacity for processing and storing of information; while the
telecommunicating techniques provide the capacity for communicating the information to users; and
the video techniques provide the capability for high quality display of images. Information and
Communication Technology (ICT), according to Igbinoba (2008), refers to the use of skill in
combining information and communication process and devices to obtain, analyze, store, recall and
transmit accurate information from one place to another.
In this study, the researcher review Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as tools used
for processing, transmitting or communicating data and information electronically. The effective use
of ICT requires some peculiar skills that are essential to any activity. The possessing of the
appropriate ICT skills leads to the effectiveness and efficiency in information processing, storing and
disseminating of information. In the context of this work, a person is said to have acquired a skill
when the person can competently and professionally finish a given piece of work at a given time with
minimum errors. The possession and application of ICT skills has become indispensable in modern
offices in private industries. Private industries are organizations or establishment that are owned and
manage by a single individual or group of stakeholders. They are established for the sole aim of
making profit. According to Chieze (2016), private industries are conglomerates of enterprises owned
by group of stakeholders. They have staff capacity of two hundred staff and above. The strategic
position which the office occupies in private industries, or any given organization as the information
nerve centre has in turn placed major emphasis on the use of Information and Communication
Technology. The universal nature of the office either in private or public sector makes it a place of
action, where various functions necessary for information handling are performed, and each function
involves the use of one form of technology or another (Adeshina, 2011). The author further stated that
the office has been described as a place where administration, which is the management and handling
of information, takes place.
According to Oyesode (2006), an office is a place (room or building) where the paper or clerical work
of an organization is done. The private industries carryout their administrative, clerical and financial
duties in the office. In the office in private industries today, different types of business including the
small, medium and large-scale industries are relying on Information and Communication Technology
(ICTs) to run their primary business operations. Devices ranging from photocopiers, computers, fax-
machines, electronic communication, and image processing among others have their own intelligence
and are used to perform functions more efficiently in the private industry, Eze, (2000) in Nwaiwu
(2009). As pointed by Oyesode (2006), not only do these integrated systems ensure the smooth
operation of basic office functions, but they increasingly provide key interfaces between management
and clients in modern offices.
Business operations in private industries are getting more complex and advanced as they are now
ICT- based demanding various skills from the managers. Every aspect of business operation such as
communications, finance, manufacturing and engineering is experiencing great changes through the
applications of ICT devices. These functions of business are now technologically based, and they
require technology-based skills. ICT-based office systems represent structured methods of handling
business and communication through an integrated network that may include, word processing for
generating correspondence, electronic message systems for person-to-person communication,
teleconferencing services, facsimile transmission, electronic filing system, on line calendar systems
and links to corporate files and outside services (Eze, 2000). The major features or characteristics of
ICT-based offices in private industries are that work organizations are getting increasingly flexible,
process-based and multi-tasking. According to Oranu and Ogwo (2006), the growing complexities of
office in private industries have made employers to seek for employees who are able to flexibly adapt,
apply and transfer knowledge to different contents under varying technological conditions and to
respond independently and creatively. Managers in modern offices and private industries are required
to be equipped with the ICT-based office skills for easy, effective and efficient operations. The
general functions of an office that are performed through ICT are gathering of information, keeping
information, arranging information, giving information and protecting information.

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An Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based office skills, undoubtedly, offers new
roles and responsibilities for managers. Such new roles mean that additional training, qualifications
and skills are required from the managers (Akpomi & Ordu, 2009). In the past, the manager’s
functions were performed manually such that documents and records were maintained on papers,
stored in files and drawers. As a result of modern office equipment, managers are requiring increasing
their skills for effectiveness and efficiency. Many office functions and managerial duties which were
previously done manually have been computerized. Atakpa (2010) stated that managerial functions
everywhere in the world have undergone a lot of technical changes. Thus, the diversities of these
office technologies require the managers to possess new skills to enable them to be relevant in the
industries.
The introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in industries and
organizations would make managers work more interesting and more productive. Typewriters are
disappearing in favour of word processors, and spreadsheets are replacing calculators. Information
and Communication Technology ICT has changed the equipment and work groups behaviour in
offices. Of course, no manager today would like to work in an industry where information processes
and administrative work are still done manually (Oni, 2001). According to Mayer in Azih (2013), a
manager is an executive who plans, organizes, directs, controls and actualizes organizational goals.
He is an executive who has the mastery of office skills and ability to assume responsibility without
direct supervision. The manager displays initiative, exercise judgment and takes decisions within the
scope of company’s authority. A qualified manager should have a wide knowledge of business
insight, versatile knowledge in accounting, personnel, office practice, and communication and
knowledge of the operation of all departments within the organizations where he or she works. The
employability prospect of the manager depends largely on the work skills acquired for employment.
To meet the challenges of ICT-based office, managers would need to possess skills in computer
appreciation, office communication and data based management skills for effective operations of ICT-
based equipment and facilities (United Nation Educational Social and Cultural Organization,
UNESCO and International Labour Organization, ILO 2004). A database management system
(DBMS) skill is the ability to organize large numbers of records in a database. Adesina (2006), stated
that database help in the collection of a considerable volume of data, which are verified, stored,
retrieved and updated on regular basis. It is a collection of programs that allow users the ability to
create, query and modify the structure in the database and to control access to it. Database is used for
keeping personnel records, customer’s records and assets records. Office communication, these are
central nervous systems of today’s organizations which the manager ought to acquire the skills in
other to operate them. Examples are electronic mail (e-mail), voice mail, bulletins board systems, and
facsimiles which allow organizations to send messages in text, video, or voice form or to transmit
copes of document and to receive it in seconds, not hours or days. Office communications system
enhances the communications and coordination among work groups and organizations. It also helps to
reduce the flow of paper messages, letters, memos, documents, and reports that either flood many
offices and postal systems (Ayandele & Adeoye, 2010). A computer appreciation skill, according to
Ugwuanyi (2009), involves having the basic understanding of what computer is and how it can be
used as a resource material. Managers should be sensitized enough to be able to use these innovations,
for examples, the internet, they should be able to use basic applications as word processing,
spreadsheet, electronic mails, and possibly more advanced ones such as presentations.
Management is the process of organizing people and resources efficiently so as to direct activities
towards common goal and objectives. In addition, Eksteen (2003) in Makhura (2011) observes that
management of those functions required for effective business operations to ensure smooth day-to-day
operations of an industry. Management in the context of this study involves the control of office
activities, and other related administrative activities in the industry. The administrative machinery for
any organizational system must be based on certain basic principles which, according to Amebenomo
(2009), are principles of good documentation and negotiation techniques, principles of decision
making and problem solving. The author further noted that these principles constitute very important
aspects of administrative functions, and that every manager must work for effective communication in
the organization he or she administers.
Managers’ performance refers to the ability of the manager to take effective decisions and display
initiatives in judgment within the company’s authorities. The effectiveness of this function can only

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be facilitated by using ICT facilities such as telephone, computer networking and e-mail, among
others in processing, managing and disseminating timely and accurate information for organizational
decision making and problem solving. Adesina (2006) opined that qualified managers should possess
a wide knowledge of Business management, versatile knowledge in accounting, personnel, office
practice and knowledge of the operation of all departments for effective operational performance. This
implies that managers who acquired word processing and data management skills can use advanced
hardware’s to manipulate words, sentences and paragraphs as well as organize large number of data
which are verified, stored, retrieved and updated on regular basis. Private industries are those
industries in which the owner or promoter performs many of the specialized functions of management
such as production, planning, controlling, employing, supervising, coordinating and costing, etc. It is
an industry in which there is personal face to face relationship between the management and the
worker. Amebenomo (2009) provides that private industries are those companies whose total assets in
capital requirements, plant and working capital are less than five hundred million and employing
fewer than one hundred and fifty workers. It includes factories or non-factory establishment.
In terms of its characteristics, Eze (2000) stated that private industries owners handle or supervises the
financing, production, marketing and personnel of the industry. For Jacci (2008), decision making
process in private industry are more often subjective rather than on any rational analysis, and that the
manager does not raise short- or long-term capital needs of the business from the organized financial
market. This gives private industries limited asses to the use of ICT gadgets. Incidentally, the poor
and unreliable ways office processes are being conducted especially manually in private industries
suggest that managers may not have the required skills for ICT-based offices. In view of the
inadequacies in communication, documentation and information processing in private industries in
Port Harcourt, it is doubtful if managers in private industries are skilled enough in the use of ICT for
their work and service delivery.
Statement of the Problem
The manager, due to the nature of his work has remained to be a key player in the success of
achieving organizational goals and objectives. Many private industries relied on the manager’s
abilities for the achievement of their organizational goals and objectives (Nwaokwa & Okoli,
2012).There are a lot of forces such as act of insubordination, attitude of subordinate and
superordinate, staff behaviour, market competition, efficient service delivery, technology and quality
management, which are drivers to organizational changes in the present day industries. Every
manager in industries needs correct facts and accurate information for appropriate and beneficial
decision making and hence makes the role of a manager tasking (Akpomi & Ordu, 2009). Therefore,
the need for technological and human support for the office manager from the organization where
he/she work is much desirable.
Today, the efficient and effective performance of office managers in the organization depends on the
optimal utilization of the office technologies as well as the knowledge and skills of information and
communication technology in manipulating the available office technologies. The emergence of
modern office ICTs has reduced the tedious tasks of repeating tasks several times. There analog
nature of production, reproduction, storage and retrieval of information has been removed by the
presence of the ICT (Fry et. al., 2009). This implies that ICT skills if utilized by office managers will
in management of data, dissemination of information, organization of meetings, sending and receiving
of information without much delay, documentation of document among others are effectively carried
out. However, development of office technologies which resulted in the creation and use of computers
and software programmes (Malavia & Gogia, 2010). The output of the present-day office managers is
quite higher if compared with that of the old-time manager. This is evident if the benefits of using
these information and communication technologies such as the use of teleconference, emails, fax
devices, google meet and zoom for meetings, Whatsapp, Facebook, the zimbra and internet were
viewed as factors maximizing the managers general output. Also, Boseni (2013) opined that the usage
of computer telecommunication and video techniques by office managers in management process
positively and significantly enhance production of public and private sectors in Nigeria.
Literature available to the researcher shows that there is no empirical evidence to the fact that
information and communication technology skills influence performance of office mangers especially
in private oil industries. It is based on these observe conditions that this study sought to examine the

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influence of information and communication technology skills on office managers’ performance in

private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of information and communication
technology skills on office managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Specifically, the study sought to:
1. Determine the influence of computer appreciation skills on managers’ performance in
private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
2. Determine the influence of database management skills on managers’ performance in
private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
1. How do computer appreciation skills influence managers’ performance in private
industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
2. How do database management skills as an aspect of information and communication
technology skills influence managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt
Metropolis?
Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance.
1. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the
influences of computer appreciation skills on managers’ performance in private industries
in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
2. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the
influence of database management skills on managers’ performance in private industries
in Port Harcourt Metropolis.

METHODOLOGY
The study adopted the descriptive research survey design. The population of the study comprised all
the managers in oil industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. As at the time of this study, there were 334
office managers in private oil industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis according to Rivers State Yellow
Pages Directory (2018-2019) edition. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the sample
size for the study. Stage 1 was the adoption of purposive sampling technique to select registered office
managers. At stage 2, stratified random sampling technique by proportion method was used to select
male and female managers from registered managers. At stage 3, simple random sampling technique
was used to select male and female office managers. Hence, a sample size of 145 office managers
comprising of 101 male and 45 females were selected and used for the study. The instrument for this
study was a self-structured questionnaire developed by the researcher titled “Influence of Information
and Communication Technology on Office Managers’ Performance in Private Industries (ICTOMP)”.
The instrument was design in the pattern of Likert-5-point rating scale Strongly Agree (SA), Agree
(A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD) with numerical values of 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. The
reliability coefficient of the instrument was established to be 0.86 using Pearson Product Moment
Correlations (PPMC). Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the
research questions while hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using z-test. Any value
equal or greater than 3.50 was regarded as Strongly Agree, any value from 2.50-3.49 was Agree, and
value from 1.50-2.49 was Disagree and any value from 0.50-1.49 was Strongly Disagree. A null
hypothesis was accepted if calculated z-value is less than the critical value of z, and not accepted
when calculated z-value is equal to or greater than the critical valued of z.

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RESULT
The result of the study was presented as follows:
Research Question 1: How do computer appreciation skills influence managers’ performance in
private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
Table1: Mean Score and Standard Deviation on the Influence of Computer Appreciation Skills
on Managers’ Performance in Private Industries
S/N Item Statement Male (N1 = 101) Female (N2 = 44)
X1 SD1 RMK X2 SD2 RMK
1 Ability to use fundamental interface 3.57 0.87 Strongly 3.81 0.60 Strongly
computer segments. Agree Agree

2 Ability to Boot and shut down PCs 3.94 1.03 Strongly 3.66 0.80 Strongly
Agree Agree
3 Ability to introduce PC programs 2.77 0.69 Agree 3.42 0.77 Agree
and delicate products

4 Ability to store and recover reports 3.60 0.77 Strongly 2.94 1.02 Agree
in the PCs Agree

5 Ability to print document 3.76 0.80 Strongly 2.77 1.03 Agree

Agree
6 Ability to demonstrate file 3.45 1.11 Agree 3.14 0.69 Agree
documents

7 Ability to utilize the PC consoles 3.98 1.02 Agree 3.80 0.68 Strongly
productively Agree

8 Ability to use the guide home keys 2.83 0.69 Agree 3.93 0.73 Strongly
Agree
9 Ability to show right development 3.08 0.80 Agree 3.75 0.88 Strongly
of fingers along the columns Agree

10 Ability to hit a specific key with the 3.77 0.64 Strongly 2.88 0.80 Agree
right finger Agree

11 Ability to scan a document 3.60 1.01 Strongly 3.41 1.01 Agree

Agree
12 Ability to associate PC parts and 3.71 0.73 Strongly 3.73 0.84 Strongly
hard products Agree Agree

Average Mean/SD 3.51 0.85 Strongly 3.44 0.82 Agree

Agree
Source: Researcher’s Field Survey, 2020

Results from Table 1 show the mean response on how computer appreciation skill influences
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The result shows that the
respondents (male managers) of private oil and gas industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis strongly
agreed on item 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 as a way through which computer appreciation skill influence
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Similarly, the respondents
agreed on item 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 12 as a way through which computer appreciation skill influence
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Furthermore, the female
managers strongly agreed on item 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 as a way through which computer appreciation
skill influence managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis and agrees to
item 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 11 respectively. On the average, the male managers had a mean score of 3.51

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with standard deviation of 0.85 while the female managers had an average mean score of 3.44 with
standard deviation of 0.82.
Research Question 2: How do database management skills influence managers’ performance in
private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
Table 4.2: Mean Score and Standard Deviation of the Influence of Database Management Skills
on Managers’ Performance in Private Industries
S/N Item Statement Male (N1 = 101) Female (N2 = 44)

X1 SD1 RMK X2 SD2 RMK

13 Ability to create and maintain a data 3.66 1.02 Strongly 3.80 0.65 Strongly

Agree Agree

14 Ability to extract and list all records 2.81 0.93 Agree 3.40 1.11 Agree

15 Ability to sort records in ascending or 3.06 0.77 Agree 3.18 0.71 Agree
descending order
16 Ability to generate formulated text 3.99 0.60 Strongly 2.90 0.85 Agree
with subtotals and totals
Agree

17 Ability to Make a record in a 3.58 0.84 Strongly 3.64 0.60 Strongly

spreadsheet
Agree Agree

18 Ability to sort sections and 3.71 0.70 Strongly 2.84 0.84 Agree
characterizing fields and cells
Agree

19 Ability to interpret and execute 3.60 0.63 Strongly 3.44 1.01 Agree
programme instructions
Agree

20 Ability to insert rows and columns 3.52 1.03 Strongly 3.67 1.02 Strongly

Agree Agree

21 Ability to send text and graphics 3.44 0.81 Agree 3.82 0.77 Strongly

Agree

22 Ability to operate teleconference 3.73 0.77 Strongly 3.66 0.60 Strongly

facilities
Agree Agree

23 Ability to co-ordinate mail services 3.14 0.96 Agree 2.97 0.92 Agree
with the post offices
24 Ability to compose, send and receive 3.83 0.83 Strongly 2.51 0.81 Agree
electronic mails (email)
Agree

25 Ability to use Bulletin Board Systems 2.88 0.57 Agree 2.60 0.70 Agree

26 Ability to use internet services skills

and their applications and operations

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in:
a Use e-mails 3.06 1.03 Agree 3.06 0.64 Agree

b Use e-commence 3.50 0.66 Strongly 3.71 1.02 Strongly

Agree Agree

c Use e-banking 3.04 0.70 Agree 3.50 0.55 Strongly

Agree

d Use e-marketing 3.09 0.97 Agree 3.69 0.86 Strongly

Agree

27 Ability to use the internet to send 3.77 0.77 Strongly 3.72 0.72 Strongly
mails, conference papers, and journal
among others. Agree Agree

28 Ability to search for materials 3.49 1.04 Agree 3.41 0.97 Agree
through internet
29 Ability to send an attachment with an 3.70 0.89 Strongly 3.66 0.88 Strongly
e-mail
Agree Agree

30 Ability to use search engine to find 3.94 0.87 Agree 2.89 0.64 Agree
desired information
Average Mean/SD 3.42 0.84 Agree 3.36 0.81 Agree

Source: Researcher’s Field Survey, 2020

Result from Table 2 show the mean response on how database management skills influence
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The result shows that the
respondents (male managers) of private oil and gas industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis strongly
agreed on item 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26b, 27 and 28 as a way through which computer
database management skills influence managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt
Metropolis. Similarly, the respondents agreed on item 14, 15, 21, 23, 25, 26a, 26c, 26d, 28 and 30 as a
way through which computer database management skills influence managers’ performance in private
industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Furthermore, the female managers strongly agreed on item 13,
17, 20, 21, 22, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27 and 29 as a way through which computer database management
skills influence managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis and agrees to
item 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26a, 28 and 30 respectively. On the average, the male managers
had a mean score of 3.42 with standard deviation of 0.84 while the female managers had an average
mean score of 3.36 with standard deviation of 0.81.

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 Statistical Test of Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance to guide the
study.
1. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the
influences of computer appreciation skills on managers’ performance in private industries in
Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Table 3: z-Test Analysis on Influence of Computer Appreciation Skills
S/N X SD N df α zcal zcrit Remark

Male 3.51 0.85 101

143 0.05 1.46 1.96 Accepted
Female 3.44 0.82 44
Source: Researcher’s Field Result; 2020 Accept Ho if zcal ≤ zcrit, Otherwise Reject Ho.

Since the calculated value of z (zcal = 1.46) is less than the critical value of z (zcrit = 1.960) at 0.05
level of significance, the null hypothesis was accepted. This implies that there is no significant
difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the influences of computer
appreciation skills on managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
2. There is no significant difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the
influences of database management skills on managers’ performance in private industries in Port
Harcourt Metropolis.
Table 4: z-Test Analysis on Influence of Database Management Skills

S/N X SD N df α zcal zcrit Remark

Male 3.42 0.84 101

143 0.05 0.41 1.96 Accepted
Female 3.36 0.81 44
Source: Researcher’s Field Result; 2020 Accept Ho if zcal ≤ zcrit, Otherwise Reject Ho.

Since the calculated value of z (zcal = 0.41) is less than the critical value of z (zcrit = 1.960) at 0.05
level of significance, the null hypothesis was accepted. This implies that there is no significant
difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the influences of database
management skills on managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
The study investigated the influence of information and communication technology skills on office
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. However, the result in Table
1 shows that computer appreciation skill greatly influences managers’ performance in private
industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Also, the result of Table 3 shows that there is no significant
difference in the mean ratings of male and female managers on the influences of computer
appreciation skills on managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt. This finding is
corroborated by Nwaokwa and Okoli (2012). They revealed that ICT has influenced the performance
of secretaries in much different ways, speedy delivery of information, accuracy and effectiveness at
work. Consequently, the no gender difference in the perception of the respondents indicated that the
responses of male and female respondents do not differ significantly on how computer appreciation
skill influence managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Also, the result in Table 2 shows that database management skills as an aspect of information and
communication technology skills greatly influence managers’ performance in private industries in
Port Harcourt Metropolis. While the result of Table 4 shows that there is significant difference in the

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mean ratings of male and female managers on the influence of database management skills on
managers’ performance in private industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis. This finding is corroborated
by Alita and Hawa (2014) who found that the correlation coefficients, mean, standard deviations and
percentages revealed that some office equipment contributed positively to output at varying degrees,
Furthermore, they found that there existed positive and significant correlations between equipment
availability and knowledge on one hand and knowledge of use and productivity on the other.
Consequently, the gender difference in the perception of the respondents indicated that the responses
of male and female respondents differ significantly on how database management skills as an aspect
of information and communication technology skills influence managers’ performance in private
industries in Port Harcourt Metropolis.

CONCLUSION
Conclusively, the findings of the study showed that the responses of male and female respondents do
not differ significantly, this indicates that the impact of information and communication technology
skills on office managers’ performance is not gender sensitive, rather male and female managers are
jointly of the view that information and communication technology skills have great potential in
improving the performance and work rate and accuracy of managers in private industries in Port
Harcourt Metropolis. Furthermore, with adequate skill in the use of ICT gadgets, the laborious
exercise of filling papers in filing cabinets and shelves, where records accumulate dust over a long
period of time will be avoided.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that:
1. Training in the use of office equipment should be carried out on a quarterly basis to increase
the knowledge level of managers and subsequently their performance.
2. There is need for equipping and keeping other staff of the industry on the “know” of the use
of modern technological gadgets for easy communication with management staffs.

REFERENCES
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