Relationship between E-Communication Skills of E-Leadership and Work-Based Competencies of Business Educators for Teaching of Business Education Courses in Tertiary Institutions

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between e-communication skills and work-based competencies of business educators for teaching of business education courses in tertiary institutions in South-East Nigeria. One research question guided the study and one null hypothesis was tested. The study adopted correlation research design, and 262 business educators in the 15 public tertiary institutions in South East, Nigeria offering business education programme were studied without sampling. Two instruments namely: E-communication Skills Questionnaire (ECSQ)” and “Work-based Competencies Questionnaire (WBCQ) structured in four-point rating scales were used for data collection. Face and content validity of the instrument were established by three experts in the Departments of Vocational Education and Educational Foundations of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Pilot-testing was used to establish the reliability of the instruments and data collected were analyzed using Cronbach Alpha method and Coefficient value of 0.95 was obtained. The researchers and six research assistants administered 262 copies of the questionnaires to the respondents and 254 copies were correctly filled and retrieved, which indicated 97 percent return rate. Pearson product moment correlation was used for data analysis. Findings revealed moderate positive and significant relationship between e-communication skills and the work-based competencies of business educators. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that possession of e-communication skills by business educators can have a positive and significant impact on their work-based competencies leading to improved teaching effectiveness and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the evolving digital economy. It was recommended that management of tertiary institutions in Nigeria should organize regular professional training and development programmes for business educators focusing on e-communication tools, including virtual meeting platforms, email etiquette, and digital collaboration tools, to improve business educators' instructional delivery.  The study contributed to knowledge by establishing statistical evidence on the significance of e-communication skills in shaping effective teaching and learning processes in business education programme in South-East, Nigeria.

E-Communication Skills, Work-Based Competencies, Course Delivery, Business Educators

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