Differentiation in organizational structures of university libraries in Pakistan
| Date | 14 November 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-05-2016-0045 |
| Published date | 14 November 2016 |
| Pages | 507-519 |
| Author | Ahsan Ullah |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries,Library strategy,Library promotion |
Differentiation in
organizational structures of
university libraries in Pakistan
Ahsan Ullah
Government Degree College Pindi Bhattian, Pindi Bhattian, Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose –Differentiation is an important dimension of organizational structure, as it is the building
block of organizational structure upon which organizations are based. The purpose of this paper is to
investigate the nature of differentiation in central libraries of leading universities in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach –Multiple quantitative methods were used to carry out this
research. Structured questionnaire, perusal of organizational documents and observation of library
section were used to collect data for this study.
Findings –Majority of libraries have divided the entire library operations into five to eight
departments, and acquisition, circulation and periodical sections are created in almost all the libraries
included in the sample. Unity of command principle is applied at only the section level, but dual
chain of command is prevalent for personnel working under the two hierarchical levels, i.e. section
head and library head, as they have to report to both of them. In majority of libraries, average span of
control ranges from five to ten personnel for the library head and from six to seven personnel for the
section head.
Originality/value –No such study is conducted in Pakistan. This study has identified the levels of
differentiation and will guide academic library executives in creating a balance in the levels of
differentiation to accomplish the objectives of the organization.
Keywords Pakistan, Differentiation, Academic, Central libraries, Leading universities,
Organizational structure
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Organizational structure is considered as the framework that allows organizations to
conduct, coordinate and control its activities horizontally, spatially and vertically.
Organizational structure can be referred as a “process in which organizational activ ities
are divided, organized and coordinated (p. 96)”in different dimensions (Shahabadi an d
Pourkiani, 2014). Organizational structure is an important and integral element of
management and administration, because it administers differentiation within the
organization to hold the organization together. It enables the members of organization
to work in harmony to achieve common purposes.
Differentiation is an important component, variable or element of organizational
structure as it has an important role in the creation of balance in the organization.
Libraries are facing challenges of organizing the staff and creating an environment
which provides satisfaction to clients and staff (Aiyebelehin, 2012). Differentiation
within an organization is a key element that needs to be considered while designing the
organizational structure of an organization (Ugbomhe and Dirisu, 2011). Managing
differentiation of different types in an organization is very helpful for achieving its
goals and objectives (Montana and Charnov, 1993). Differentiation can be consid ered
as the tool with which variations and subtle differences in an organization can
be managed properly. Differentiation, an important tool for creating balance, can be
divided into three categories, namely, horizontal, spatial and vertical differentiation.
Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 8/9, 2016
pp. 507-519
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-05-2016-0045
Received 27 May 2016
Revised 4 October 2016
Accepted 5 November 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
507
Differentiation
in
organizational
structures
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