Appraisal of Expected Knowledge, Skills and the Requirement for the Practice of Public Relations in Organisations by Library and Information Science Student in Akanu I Biam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana
ABSTRACT
The aim of this research is to ascertain the level of expected knowledge skills and requirements for the practice of public relation in organization by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Among other things the work tend to know their level of knowledge about Public relation, to identify the skills they should posses for the practice of public relation in organization, the level of awareness and the challenges that they may encountered in the process of practicing public relation. The research adopt a case study research method, and applied questionnaire as a research tool in a population made up of NDI and NDII students. Research found that poor public speaking behaviour, inability of students to practice what there are taught in the classroom, inadequate learning skills and level of understanding etc. were challenges faced by Library and Information Science students in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. It therefore recommended that teaching should emphasized more on good communication, good public speaking behaviour, emphasis should also be laid on teaching techniques of public relation courses, which needs to include demonstration classes and practicals, among others should be implemented.
KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Skills, Public Relation, Akanu I biam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In our world today, nations/countries, associations, cultures, Individuals and Institutions always aimed at better relationship with society in which they exist. It could be as a field of study or management function.
Public relation therefore is the professional maintenance of a favourable public image by a company or other organizations or a famous person. public relation is the practice of managing the spread of information between an individual, groups, organization such as (Business, government agency or non-profitable organization) and its public.
Kalu (2013) posits that public relation may include organization or individual growing exposure to their audiences using topic of an interest and news items that don’t require direct payment.
According to Tempo (2002), knowledge represent facts, information and skills acquired through experience or education, theoretical or practical understanding of the subject. Thus there is the need to apply the tacit and explicit aspect of knowledge that was acquired to enable student in practice public relation in organization. knowledge is a familiarity, awareness or understanding of someone or something such as facts, information or descriptions or skills which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving or having in the field. This skills which are expected are the ability and capacity acquired through deliberate systematic and sustained effort to smoothly and adaptatively carryout complex activities associated with the practice of public relations in organizations.
1.2 Background Information (Historical Development of the Library and Information Science Student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana)
Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana constitute a unique class of individuals in the society, that need to contributes positively towards the intellectual development of the public with the help of the libraries. They are to be responsible for organisation of knowledge, cataloguing, and classification, compilation of bibliography, abstracting and indexing of information materials to users which will form a base for public relations in libraries or information centers. What organisation do forms to basis for effective relationship, thus the library and its public share in this mechanism.
Library and Information Science Department in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana is a new department. It was established in the year 2013 and has produce its first set of graduates of National Diploma(ND) under the headship of Mr. U.O. Ugwuogu.
According to Bullard (n.d), Effective work ethic and friendly attitude under the leadership of competent personnel is pubic relation at its best. This implies that student of Library and Information Science with the understanding of organisation of knowledge, cataloguing and classification and other specific areas of studies in the field are expected to practice public relation in organisation such as helping people remain well Informed, creating library consciousness among the people of the community, enriching and further develop the subject on which individuals are undertaking formal education to help people remain informed. (Gupta, 2013).
Read Also: Library and Information Science Project Topics for Students
1.3 Statement of the problem
Most student and graduates of higher institution in Nigeria find it difficult to relate well with other members of the public. An observation in various campuses buttress this point. This is not different with most student in Library and information Science Department in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. This may be as a result of poor language skills and the level of understanding of the student.
Thus students with good knowledge, understanding, skills and requirements of public relations are expected to apply the qualities of a good public relation practitioner by applying a strong, active, ethical and moral code to guide him/her in their everyday work. He/she is expected to have good attitude and behaviour they also are expected to display an unalloyed loyalty in all situation and at all times to his organisation. Studies have shown that the teaching processes of public relation in the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria is not up to the expected standard.
According to Uzoma (2005), public relation stands both as a treats and difficult tasks among students due to the lack of educational trainings. In Library and Information Science department in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana this poor language use exist, coupled with unwarranted attitude. Library and Information Science students ought to reflect knowledge and skills of public relation in their day to day interactions and relationships. Unfortunately, this is lacking. Instead, incoherence in character, attitude, language and communication is observed. Hence the need to appraise expected knowledge, skills and requirement for the practices of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. It is as a result of these issues that necessitated the study with a view to profering solution on the way forward.
1.4 Objective of the study
The general objective of the study is to apparise the expected knowledge, skill, and requirement for the practice of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana.
The specific objective are to:
- Ascertain the level of knowledge of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Library and Information Science students in the practices of Public Relation in organisation.
- Determine the skills for public relation possessed by Library And Information Science student of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana.
- Find out the requirement for the practices of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Identify the challenges that may affect the acquisition of knowledge, skills and requirement of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana.
1.5 Research Questions
The Research will answer the following questions:
i. What are the level of knowledge on the practice of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana.
ii. What are the skills and requirements needed for the practices of public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana?
iii. What are the expected skills and knowledge for the practice of Public Relation in organization possessed by Library and Information Science Student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana?
iv. What can the challenges, that may affects the acquisition of knowledge skills and requirement for public relation in organisation by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana.
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study focuses on the appraisal of expected knowledge, skill, and requirement for the practice of public relation in organization by Library and Information Science student in Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. The study excluded other students and staff of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. Other circumstances such as time, finances and other academic activities. The Research engaged in were limitations on the investigations.
1.7 Significant of the Study
The study will be significant in various ways. It will identify the skill and requirement for the practiced of public relation by student in particular, and library and information science student in generals.
The report will assist researches, educational planners, student and teacher at various levels on the importance of public relation knowledge and skills in educational environment. It will also add to the existing empirical literature on public relation.
