Contributions of Self-Efficacy and Problem Solving Skills on Secretaries’ Job Performance in Ogun State Public Service, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining the contributions of self-efficacy and problem solving skills to the job performance of secretaries. The study also ascertained the relationship among self-efficacy, problem solving skills and job performance of the Secretaries. The study employed the descriptive research design. Ten (10) Secretaries were selected from thirty (30) government parastatals through simple random sampling techniques. Out of the 300 questionnaires distributed only 294 were returned. Three sets of instruments were used in collecting data, they are: General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (GPSS), Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) Form. The data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), Multiple Regression, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result obtained indicated that the predictor variables (self-efficacy and problem solving skills) accounted for 61.1% of the variance in the job performance of Secretaries in the public service of Ogun State which implies that there is a significant combined contribution of self-efficacy and problem solving skills in the prediction of job performance of Secretaries in the public service of Ogun State. Also, there are significant and positive relationship among self-efficacy, problem solving skills and job performance.  The findings were discussed and it was recommended among others that there should be provision for in-service training for Secretaries in the public service which is expected to bring about improvement of their self-efficacy and problem solving skills.

Keywords: Self-efficacy, Problem Solving Skills, Job Performance, Secretaries, Public Service