Strategic human resource development in public libraries in Botswana
| Pages | 336-350 |
| Date | 01 August 2005 |
| Published date | 01 August 2005 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120410609752 |
| Author | Priti Jain |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Strategic human resource
development in public libraries in
Botswana
Priti Jain
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
Abstract
Purpose – The broad objective of this study was to present a model for strategic human resource
management through an effective staff performance appraisal system in Botswana Public Libraries in
order to enhance the provision of delivery of information services.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents and discusses the partial findings of the
study, which were revealed in an attempt to provide a strategic human resource management model
for public libraries in Botswana. Public libraries aid the public as a whole, and they often lack funds
and human resources. It is because of these constraints that the study was embarked on by the author.
Findings – From an empirical investigation the main critical qualities required to provide efficient
public library services were revealed as: enthusiasm, positive attitude, innovative thinking,
commitment. The other staff related and motivational issues were identified as: a sense of
achievement, a feeling of self-worth, job-security, staff recognition, status, career development, good
salary, effective communication, job satisfaction, delegation of authority, clear job description,
performance feedback, conducive working environment. Some other strategic management issues
were acclaimed as: organisational culture, transformational leadership, employee recognition and
reward systems, performance measurement system, productivity improvement, and customer
orientation.
Originality/value – This paper recommends a strategic human resource management model for the
public libraries in Botswana, which may assist in enhancing the provision of library services to fulfil
the aims of the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS) more efficiently and facilitate the strategic
plan process of BNLS which is currently working on its strategic plan and human resource strategy.
Keywords Human resourcestrategies, Human resource management, Human resourcedevelopment,
Performanceappraisal, Public libraries, Botswana
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Increasingly, the issue of strategic human resource management is gaining popularity.
Whether service oriented or production oriented, the performance of any organization
depends heavily on the performance of its human resources. Human resources are
defined as “the available talents and energies of people who are available to an
organization as potential contributors t o the creation and realization of the
organization’s mission, vision, strategy, and goals” (Jackson and Schuler, 2000, p. 37).
They can make the best use of all types of resources. “Finance and technology can
bring advantage but are no longer capable of sustaining this advantage. Only the
attitudes, skills and capabilities of people have the potential to create sustainable
competitive advantage” (Gratton, 2000, p. 9).
Being the key resources of an organisation, human resources can make their
organisations dynamic and grow faster, so competent and dynamic human resources
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
26,6/7
336
Received 28 May 2004
Revised 14 September 2004
Accepted 15 December 2004
Library Management
Vol. 26 No. 6/7, 2005
pp. 336-350
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120410609752
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