The Influence of Head Librarians’ Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction of Librarians’ in Tertiary Institution Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A general opinion that is supported by research is that leadership style in any organization exerts a major influence on the structure, strategy and well being of the organization. In the library environment therefore, the influence of leadership style on the job satisfaction of librarians is very crucial to the success of the library. Common observations from informal interactions with librarians who work in the libraries show that leadership styles in tertiary institution libraries in Imo state are poor and ineffective. This research work therefore investigated the influence of head librarians' leadership styles on librarians' job satisfaction in tertiary institution libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted, while four research questions guided the investigation. The population of study consists of all librarians working in tertiary institution libraries in Imo State. Instrument for data collection was a four point questionnaire, designed by the researcher. Sixty-five questionnaires were distributed, while sixty-one were returned. Data collected were analyzed using mean and percentage where applicable. The findings of the study revealed a strong influence between head librarians' leadership styles and librarians' job satisfaction. Some recommendations were made to improve librarians' job satisfaction.

Leadership style as a predictor of employee commitment in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria

“…This was an indication that library heads in Benue state practised different types of LSs at varying degrees. This finding was in agreement with Nwaigwe (2015) who also reported that head librarians in tertiary institutions in Imo state, Nigeria practised more of democratic LS than autocratic and laissez-faire. However, this finding was not in congruent with Idiegbeyanose (2018) who reported librarians in South-West, Nigeria practised autocratic style of leadership.…”

“…Nwaigwe (2015) conducted a study to examine the influence of head librarians’ LS on job satisfaction of librarians in tertiary institution libraries in Imo state, Nigeria. The study adopted survey design using 61 librarians.…”

Impact of Autocratic Leadership Style on Job Performance of Subordinates in Academic Libraries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…Leadership has, however assumed greater importance in today's organization including the library because of emerging force of globalization, technological innovations and workers expectations (Nwaigwe, 2015). These forces require dynamic and efficient leadership, anchored on strong ability to, not only combine resources in the most efficient ways, but to build a formidable work force that will work with enthusiasm for the achievement of goals.…”

Impact of Democratic Leadership Style on Job Performance of Subordinates in Academic Libraries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…It also agrees with the findings of Iyaiya (2000) and Ezeuwa (2005), where they concluded that democratic leaders see their subordinates as colleagues and partners in progress with objective ideas for solving organizational problems. Nwaigwe (2015) in her findings revealed that though democratic leadership style is commonly adopted by head librarians autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles have influence on job performance of subordinates.…”

“…Mba (2004) states that in this style of leadership, high degree of staff morale is always enhanced. Nwaigwe (2015) in her study on the "influence of head librarians leadership styles on job satisfaction of librarians' in tertiary institution libraries in Imo State, Nigeria", found out that democratic leadership style was the commonest style of leadership adopted by head librarians in tertiary institutions. Out of a population of sixty-five (65) respondents who were part of the survey, 33(54%) of respondents posed for Democratic style, 18(30%) for Autocratic and 10(16%) for laissez-faire leadership styles.…”