SECRETARIES PERSPECTIVE ON THE EXTENT OF UTILIZATION OF SHORTHAND FOR PERFORMANCE OF OFFICE DUTIES IN THE ERA OF TECHNOLOGY

This study investigates the continuing relevance of shorthand in technology-enabled offices, focusing on secretaries at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. A descriptive survey design was employed, using a structured 5-point extent scale to assess four domains of practice: meeting management, stakeholder communication, confidentiality/information handling, and general office administration. Of 62 distributed questionnaires, 52 were retained for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) indicate a consistently high extent of shorthand use across all domains. In meetings, respondents reported shorthand as a fast, accurate method for real-time capture, particularly where recording devices are restricted. In communication, shorthand was favored for telephone instructions and time-critical messages. For confidentiality, respondents viewed shorthand as offering privacy at the point of capture and reducing leak risks relative to digital tools. In general administration, shorthand supported day-to-day note-taking and perceived efficiency, with strongest endorsement for a hybrid workflow in which shorthand enables rapid capture and digital systems provide secure storage, sharing, and compliance. Overall, findings position shorthand as a complementary capability rather than a replacement for digital tools. The study recommends formalizing hybrid documentation protocols, targeted refresher training, integration with secure digital platforms, and routine quality checks on shorthand-to-digital transitions.