Document Type

Graduate Research

Publication Date

8-1949

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the duties performed by the employees of business firms and professional offices operated by Negroes in Tulsa and Muskogee and to discover the areas in which these employees need additional training according to their employers.

The writer prepared check lists of traits and abilities needed by employees and submitted these forms to a selected group of business men who made certain additions and changes. The revised list was then presented to commercial teachers of the Oklahoma Association of Negro Teachers. Criticisms and suggestions were made and as a result the final questionnaire was prepared and mailed to 67 business and professional men. Responses were received from 37 of the persons contacted, which represents more than 50 per cent of the persons to whom check lists were sent.

As a result of this study it was found that stores employ more workers than do offices; duties performed most frequently by store employees include waiting on customers, making change, answering telephone, arranging stock, and identifying people. It was further found that store workers need more training in making change, dressing windows, and helping to plan advertisements. Duties performed most frequently by office workers include answering telephone, identifying people, making note of telephone messages and talking with visitors while employer is busy. Deficiencies found among this group of employees included filing, making accurate note of messages, and identifying people.

This study further reveals that the ability to meet and get along with people is important for both store and office personnel.

As a result of the findings of this study, the writer suggests that the second year of shorthand be replaced by a one semester course in transcription followed by a semester of office practice. For those business students who do not take shorthand, a course in clerical training is recommended. A course in Retailing or Distributive Education should also be offered inasmuch as so many young people find employment in this area.

There exists a great need for the development of such traits as initiative, loyalty, and dependability in both store and office workers. The encouragement of desirable character traits should be the responsibility of each teacher, and meaningful school experiences designed to develop such traits should be incorporated in all school subjects.

Comments

Please note that this material contains historic language and images that may be considered offensive or biased, or which marginalize certain individuals and communities. The presence of offensive language or images is not an endorsement by Library Services or by Pittsburg State University.

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