Impact of Poor Communication Skills on Office Performance Among Clerical Staff in Borno State Tertiary Institutions

This study investigates the impact of poor communication skills on office performance among clerical staff in tertiary institutions in Borno State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Communication is a fundamental competency in office administration, yet studies consistently indicate that deficiencies in oral, written, and interpersonal communication contribute to operational inefficiency and workplace conflict. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, focusing on clerical officers, registry staff, and administrative assistants in three state-owned tertiary institutions. Data are collected using validated questionnaires and structured interview guides. The conceptual framework integrates Communication Competence Theory and Organisational Behaviour models, drawing on studies published between 2021 and 2024. The study examines specific communication gaps including report writing limitations, poor telephone etiquette, and inability to effectively convey directives. It also assesses supervisors' perceptions of communication-related performance failures. Findings are expected to highlight a significant inverse relationship between communication deficiency and office output. Recommendations focus on the integration of communication skills training into staff development programmes within Borno State's tertiary education system. Keywords: communication skills, office performance, clerical staff, Borno State, tertiary institutions