Assessing work motivation for academic librarians in Oman
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-03-2013-0020 |
Date | 04 March 2014 |
Pages | 199-212 |
Published date | 04 March 2014 |
Author | Ali Al-Aufi,Khulood Ahmed Al-Kalbani |
Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Assessing work motivation for
academic librarians in Oman
Ali Al-Aufi
Department of Information Studies, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkhodh,
Oman, and
Khulood Ahmed Al-Kalbani
College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkhodh, Oman
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to identify and assess the status and level of motivation of employees
working in the Omani academic libraries at Muscat Governorate according to Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach containing a questionnaire survey was
used for collecting data from 111 librarians and library employees in 29 identified academic libraries.
Findings – Findings pointed out that the motivation level was modest with varied attitudes for
individual motivational needs. The need for security was indicated as the least motivating with an
average mean score below agreement. Their lower-order motivational needs are apparently satisfied
except for security needs which indicated a level below satisfaction. On the other hand, the upper-level
needs of self-esteem were not adequately satisfied.
Research limitations/implications – Motivation has the potential to satisfy the five essential
needs that Maslow built up in hierarchy. However, library managers are also responsible to determine
every individual behavior of employees and accordingly adopt the proper motivational strategy. The
study recommends developing and implementing local standards for a motivational system
appropriate for all academic libraries in Oman, taking into consideration the respondents’ needs for
security. The study also recommends conducting further studies on work motivation in other library
settings such as learning resource centers and public libraries.
Originality/value – The study helps assess the status of motivation in the academic libraries of a
developing country. It also helps describe and explain motivation from the perspectives of librarians
and other employees. The literature in the region does not indicate similar studies that addressed the
issue of motivation in the academic libraries or other library settings. This study, however, is the first
to deal with motivation in academic libraries in Oman.
Keywords Academic libraries, Incentives, Academic librarians,Oman, Human motivation,
Maslow’s hierarchyof needs
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Motivation playsan important role in improving theeffectiveness and efficiency of work
at libraries and information centres. Theliterature indicates several theories and models
developed to explain human motivation (Hoffmann, 2007; Hosoi, 2005). Motivation
theories are classified and grouped into broadly different types, among which “needs
theories” forms onecategory. Amongst well-known needs theories of motivation are, for
example, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1954); Herzberg’s two-factor theory
(Herzberg et al., 1959); Alderfer’s Existence-Relatedness-Growth (Alderfer, 1969, 1972);
and McClelland’s Achievement Motivation Theory (McClelland, 1965).
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Motivation for
librarians in
Oman
199
Received 19 March 2013
Revised 28 July 2013
Accepted 22 October 2013
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 3, 2014
pp. 199-212
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-03-2013-0020
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