Emerging Digital Workplace Competencies Required of Office Technology and Management Graduates

Abstract

Abstract

Digital technologies have revolutionized how office work is organized and conducted, with significant implications for preparing Office Technology and Management (OTM) graduates. Digital communication, cloud-based applications, electronic records, virtual collaboration, data processing, information evaluation, cybersecurity, and ever-evolving technological systems are common tools essential to success in today's workplaces. This study examined emerging digital workplace competencies considered important in contemporary office work and explored their implications for OTM curriculum development. A descriptive survey design was used, and data were collected from 100 office workers who regularly used digital technologies in their work. The questionnaire explored the perceived importance of 10 digital workplace competencies, perceptions of digital preparation when taking on a new role, and areas where there was often a need for further digital training. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The survey evidence was contextualised and interpreted using applicable digital-competence frameworks, Nigerian OTM studies, the current OTM curriculum, and modern published workplace literature. The results showed that all 10 skills were considered very important, with the skill of learning new digital tools having the highest mean rating (M = 4.48), followed by digital communication and professional email (M = 4.43) and by online/virtual collaboration tools (M = 4.37). The most common technology areas indicated as needing extra training are technology adaptability, virtual collaboration, data management and analysis, and cybersecurity and data protection. The results indicate that modern digital OTM preparation should not only address the basics of computer literacy and skills with computer applications but that it should also cover a more comprehensive profile of a digital workplace that encompasses communication and collaboration, information and records management, data competency, cyber security, technological adaptability, and awareness of emerging technologies. In the study, these skills are suggested to be incorporated in all the OTM courses while maintaining the programme's occupational and administrative core.