bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring SME market orientation: an organisational learning perspective
Authors: Bradshaw Robert , Maycock Carina , Öztel Hülya 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and enhance organisational capability through learning within a small firm context. This paper forms part of a KTP project. The paper considers here traditional quantitative approaches (where data was gathered largely through questionnaires received from a single source within the firm) approaches for measuring market orientation against a mixed methods, organisation wide perspective. For achieving this task the role of mental models are considered and the perceptions and beliefs of individuals are translated with actual actions for gaining a more accurate picture of market orientation within the firm.Design/methodology/approachThrough a mixed methods approach a range of organisational data has been utilised to develop an understanding for not only the firms market orientation position, but also a much greater understanding of the composition of market orientation throughout the firm. Identifying differences in market orientation between departments as well as for the different levels within the firm.FindingsThe work provides a framework for better understanding disparities between past studies on market orientation. With many of these past studies being based on single source measures, key person accounts, and snap shot measures at a point in time, they provide valuable insights, but often narrow insights of the firm's position. Through an organisational wide, and longitudinal analysis a more complete understanding can be created.Originality/valueThe work brings together literature from organisational learning, market orientation and research methodology, to provide new insights on an established area of research, offering useful insight for clarifying past discrepancies.
Enhancing the user experience
Authors: Sidorko Peter Edward , Woo Esther 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight a series of initiatives generated from, and managed within, a major university library and aimed at improving a customer service focus.Design/methodology/approachThe paper documents a series of approaches, including a customized staff training package, that were intended to enhance users' experience with staff. Over a period of six years the responses to a biannual user survey were tracked in order to identify improvements, or otherwise, in users' perceptions of staff performance in terms of their customer service.FindingsThe survey results seem to indicate that improvements in users' perceptions of staff performance have improved with time and have done so most dramatically following a series of self‐initiated workshops conducted by library staff.Research limitations/implicationsWhile it is difficult to directly correlate the successful outcomes with the initiatives, including the staff‐conducted workshops, it will be necessary to continue to track users' perceptions of staff to ascertain whether the trend is sustainable or an aberration.Originality/valueThe paper provides a unique perspective of applying a range of approaches aimed at improving the user experience with staff in a major Asian university library. The success of these approaches is linked to the outcomes of the library's biannual user survey.
Innovation and change
Authors: Durrani Shiraz , Smallwood Elizabeth 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe rapidly changing nature of local government service demands new skills, but there is often a gap between the new skills needed by library authorities and the skills that “traditional” librarianship education delivers. The purpose of this paper is to show how QLP‐Y can bridge this gap and to consider the approach of the Quality Leaders Project – Youth (QLP‐Y, 2003) and its contribution to staff development within the public library sector.Design/methodology/approachSetting the project in the context of a changing global situation, the paper considers briefly the effect of this situation on local government service before moving on to consider the learning opportunities afforded by involvement in QLP‐Y. Finally, it considers the importance of sustained innovation in public service and the role of universities within this.FindingsThe paper highlights the need for a different content in librarianship courses and the need for a training approach that combines work‐based learning with an academic focus. It shows how the “management development through service development” approach of QLP‐Y can lead to significant achievements in the development of both staff and service and how QLP‐Y can develop in staff key management skills alongside an understanding of the wider policy context and the ability to shape one's work within it.Originality/valueUsing the latest QLP‐Y material, the paper examines how the project has helped implement new ways of working in line with changing policy requirements and will thus be of interest to the academic community, decision makers and managers in local authorities.
Librarians' skills and qualifications in a modern informational environment
Authors: Gerolimos Michalis , Konsta Rania 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe aim of the research is to investigate the qualifications and the skills of the librarian's profession as they are impressed through the job ads.Design/methodology/approachA total of 200 job advertisements were studied from the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA in 2006 and 2007. The data were derived from known web sites.FindingsOverall, 38 skills and qualifications were identified through the job ads. Their percentage of appearance was recorded and this constitutes the basic element for the final findings of this research.Research limitations/implicationsThe research restricted in ads emanated from developed countries' web sites. This methodology records the ideal model of a librarian.Originality/valueThe research, like others, confirms the meaning of the traditional library science in the modern informational environment.
Contribution of an information literacy programme to the education process
Authors: Malliari Aphrodite , Nitsos Ilias 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of, and the need for, information literacy and information literacy programmes in the undergraduate education process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the case of a Greek educational institute, via related research, and describes the information literacy programme of the Alexander Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki (ATEITh). The paper is based on a study at the Institution with the education staff and also the undergraduate students – patrons of the library. In both cases data were gathered using the method of questionnaires.FindingsThe results of the study reveal the usefulness of information literacy programmes, and the need for the creation of an online information literacy tutorial in the ATEITh. The majority of the respondents in both studies believe that information literacy programmes could be exploited as a means of instruction and should be integrated in the departments' curricula.Practical implicationsThe paper points up the contribution of the online information literacy programme in the teaching of courses dealing partially with information literacy that exist in the curricula of some departments and the motive for the integration of an autonomous credit information literacy course in every curriculum.Originality/valueThe Library of the ATEITh is the first Greek academic library that through a survey has highlighted the need for developing and evaluating information literacy programmes as a means of reinforcing information literacy in the Greek academic community and at the same time it is the first Greek academic library to have developed its own information literacy programme.
A study of success factors of resource sharing in Iranian academic libraries
Authors: Alidousti Sirous , Nazari Maryam , Abooyee Ardakan Mohammad 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present the results of a study on success factors of resource sharing (RS) and cooperation in Iranian Academic Libraries (IAL), from the point‐of‐view of librarians who have direct experience of such activities. It investigates and compares the librarians' experiences of, and opinions on, the importance of the success factors in the current and desirable situations in the IALs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, 58 success factors of RS were identified from the previous studies. Using Likert scale technique, the importance of the factors in the current and desired situations of the RS programs were explored and ranked, based on the experiences and opinions of a sample of “key informants” who had direct experience of RS activities in the context of IALs. Then the consistency and/or inconsistency between the current and desired situations of the success factors were identified, using gap analysis method.FindingsThe findings revealed that almost all of the success factors mentioned in previous studies are considered important by the respondents. However, only eight factors received high rankings in the current and desired situations of the RS programs in the IALs.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses on factors identified in previous studies. This may ignore certain, especially cultural, factors, which are effective in the context of IALs.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of success factors in development or improvement of any RS activity. The factors would provide both researchers and practitioners with a rich framework to examine the current situation of their RS programs and develop informed strategic plans to improve that. In particular, the findings inform the RS planners and policy makers that particular attention needs to be given to the factors that are identified as very important by the study participants. These factors would alert them to the causes and impacts of such a deficiency in the RS and library cooperation systems.Originality/valueThere is no comprehensive study on the success factors of RS in libraries and, as such, no investigation of the factors in some real‐life contexts of RS activities. Both researchers and practitioners in the field of RS may value the novelty and results of this study.
Writing for the profession: the experience of new professionals
Authors: Bradley Fiona 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore barriers and motivators for new professionals who write and present for the professional literature.Design/methodology/approachAuthors from the ALIA New Librarians' Symposium held in December 2006 in Sydney, Australia were surveyed about their experiences of writing and presenting early in their career. The author of this paper was the symposium's programme coordinator.FindingsThe majority of authors were working in Australia, and few were required to write or present as part of their work role. In the absence of this requirement, factors that motivate new professionals to write can be difficult to define. Barriers to writing include time, skills, and responsibilities outside work.Originality/valueThe paper discusses a publishing opportunity aimed at new professionals and other strategies to reduce barriers to writing and presenting.
A study of US library directors' confidence and practice regarding patron confidentiality
Authors: Magi Trina 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to learn how many libraries take specific measures to protect patron confidentiality other than having a written policy, to measure library directors' confidence in their own ability, and that of their workers, to follow confidentiality policies, and to learn what types of support directors need to better protect confidentiality.Design/methodology/approachA paper survey was mailed to all 213 directors of public and academic libraries in Vermont; 71 per cent responded. Data were primarily quantitative.FindingsFew libraries reveal patron information by sending unsealed postcards, but many reveal patron information to third parties over the telephone. Library directors have a high level of confidence in their own ability to follow confidentiality policy and a slightly lower level of confidence in the ability of library workers to do so. Library directors need help in writing policy, getting access to legal counsel, and addressing the confidentiality of patrons who are minors.Research limitations/implicationsVermont library directors may be different from directors elsewhere. The study asked about two library practices that put patron confidentiality at risk; other practices should be studied, as well.Practical implicationsLibrary directors can do more to ensure that library practices do not jeopardize patron confidentiality. Library directors need help and support in dealing with practical issues that emerge as they try to follow the ALA code of ethics.Originality/valueThe study begins to fill a gap in the literature by measuring library directors' own assessments of their organizations' ability to cope with enquiries about patrons.
The Irish Research electronic Library initiative: levelling the playing‐field?
Authors: Dunne Siobhán 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe Irish Research electronic Library (IReL) is a nationally funded electronic research library providing online access to full text articles from 1,000s of peer‐reviewed publications in a range of disciplines. The aim of this paper is to examine the opportunities that have arisen for academic libraries at a local level in terms of how they expose resources and promote the initiative. It discusses the challenges that have arisen as libraries enhance, or indeed introduce, value added services to their research community. It examines the results of an in‐depth national survey, which yielded invaluable insights into how Irish researchers were using library services. Finally, it reflects on the challenges libraries face in facilitating and nurturing research behaviour.Design/methodology/approachIn the first quarter of 2007, seven university libraries asked their researchers for feedback on how they use IReL resources and their awareness of the initiative in the form of a national survey. These results and in particular the feedback from DCU researchers are further analysed. Focus groups and visits to research centres also provided more in‐depth analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that a collaborative approach to the negotiation of a single national licence for seven academic libraries, with associated training and a discount for consortium contracts, has been highly successful. However, it has also posed significant challenges for all libraries in terms of ensuring that the resources are fully exploited and that the necessary support structures are in place to facilitate the provision of appropriate services to the growing research community.Originality/valueThe paper will be useful to libraries planning services for fourth‐level researchers and in particular, services that promote access to online resources.
Theory, research, and practice in library management 5: branding
Authors: Walton Graham 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the branding in the marketing and promotion of libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe literature is examined to illustrate the importance of branding for libraries. The wider management literature is explored to establish the definition for branding and why brands are needed. The literature is also used to demonstrate how brands are created and developed. The importance of branding for libraries is examined and illustrated using the observations from various library commentators.FindingsThe fast rate of change facing libraries means that libraries can benefit from having an effective brand. The brand can enable library users to have an informed perspective on the services available to them. There is also a close relationship between quality and branding. For libraries wishing to develop a brand, it is necessary to go through various identifiable stages. One of the main reasons for libraries to have a strong brand is to improve visibility. A major aspect of developing the library brand is identifying the unique niche to fill. Library staff have an important role to play in the creation, development and delivery of the library brand. There are several examples of libraries across the world that have looked to re‐brand to increase their visibility and profile.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of branding theories and investigates the relevance of branding in library services.
Kouzes and Posner's transformational leadership model in practice
Authors: Abu‐Tineh Abdullah M. , Khasawneh Samer A. , Al‐Omari Aieman A. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which Kouzes and Posner's Transformational Leadership Model is being practised by Jordanian school principals. Currently, there are both internally and externally increasing pressures on Jordanian schools to enact reform. The empirical literature on leadership has shown that transformational leadership is positively associated with principals' effectiveness in implementing reform agenda. Kouzes and Posner's Transformational Leadership Model provides school principals in Jordon with practical guidance on how to lead, as well as practical suggestions on how to act during reform agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe research paper is quantitative in nature and was conducted using a survey design. Means, standard deviations, t‐test, and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to analyze gained data.FindingsThe findings indicated that Kouzes and Posner's model is being moderately practised by Jordanian school principals. Female teachers and basic schoolteachers more than male teachers and high school teachers identified their principals as transformational. Finally, there were no significant differences among the three experience level groups of teachers in their perceptions of each dimension of Kouzes and Posner's Model.Originality/valueThe paper suggests that more workshops and training courses in Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model should be conducted in Jordanian schools. Moreover, it is hoped that this research will encourage new projects sponsored by the Jordanian Ministry of Education such as “Discovery Schools” and “School as a Development Unit” to adopt Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Model in their schools.
New leader assimilation: process and outcomes
Authors: Manderscheid Steven V. , Ardichvili Alexandre 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to test the researchers' theory that a leadership development intervention called “leader assimilation” for newly appointed leaders and their subordinates will facilitate feedback‐seeking and a leader‐team dialogue which will accelerate leader/team learning, leader adaptation, and relationship building between the new leaders and their teams.Design/methodology/approachRobert Yin's positivistic multiple case study research method was used. Four primary modes of data collection were used in each of the three cases: observation during the five steps of the intervention, documentation review after the intervention, a pre‐ and post‐survey, and individual interviews with the leader and the leader's direct reports approximately seven days after the last phase of the intervention.FindingsThe researchers found support for their theory from a leader and team perspective. The three leaders in the study experienced accelerated learning, adaptation, and they built relationships with their teams. The leaders' teams experienced new learning and they built relationships with their new leaders.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of findings is limited by the number of cases studied and by industry, leader, and team variation across cases.Practical implicationsThe study provides supporting evidence for the importance and effectiveness of leader assimilations in helping new leaders learn, adapt quickly, and build relationships with their teams early in their transition.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first to report on the outcomes of an early leadership development intervention to help new leaders transition from one leadership role to another.
A road for achieving an international measure and understanding on leaders' behaviors
Authors: Quesada Gioconda , González Marvin E. , Kent Thomas 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis research aims to report the findings of an exploratory survey administered in the USA, Spain and Costa Rica on leaders' behavior. The purpose of the survey is to understand any differences in transformational leader behavior in three different countries.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a survey instrument applied to USA (113 responses, 35.5 percent response rate), Spain (168 responses, 66 percent response rate) and Costa Rica (100 responses, 40.0 percent response rate). The researchers used different statistical analyses such as structural equation modeling (using AMOS), and ANOVA.FindingsThe findings suggest that there is an international measure of leader behavior. When comparing measurement models of leader behaviors in the three countries, differences were found to be more notorious between Spain and both Costa Rica and the USA. However, the individual geographies, histories and vantage points of the Anglo‐Saxon country (USA) versus the Spanish‐Speaking countries (Costa Rica and Spain) seem to have created some differences in leader behaviors.Originality/valueThe research provides insights into the growing body of knowledge on leader behavior. It first shows an international measure of leader behavior and then compares the three countries.
One nation, three cultures: exploring dimensions that relate to leadership in Malaysia
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Meyer Denny 
Published: November 2008

PurposeMalaysia is a multicultural country with a distinct mix of three major races; Chinese Indians, and Malays. This paper sets out to explore the contribution of the three main ethnic groups to leadership in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachSummated scales for the importance of Excellent Leader (EL), Personal Qualities (PQ), Managerial Behaviours (MB), Organisational Demands (OD) and Environmental Influences (EI) were developed using most of the items categorised by Selvarajahet al.and several other items rated highly in the study. A structural model was constructed to explain the relationship in excellence in leadership.FindingsFrom the three ethnic groups, 512 managers participated in the research. The findings suggest that Malaysian managers maintain distinctive leadership behaviour along ethnic lines and a Malaysian leadership identity is still in its infant stage.Practical implicationsMalaysia is a country with three distinct ethnic population groups and is yet to forge a single Malaysian identity. The findings are important for managers on foreign assignment in Malaysia and for others who engage with Malaysia.Originality/valueMost literature discusses Malaysian culture from a national perspective. The paper contextualises leadership of an Asian Tiger economy, which has since independence in 1957 politically developed the nation within three Asian national cultural frameworks.