Effects of Motivational and Behavioral Factors on Job Productivity: An Empirical Investigation from Academic Librarians in Pakistan

The major objective of the current study was to find out the impact of motivational factors on the job outcomes of librarians working in HEC-recognized university libraries in Pakistan. A survey research method followed by predictive correlational design was applied to test the constructed hypotheses in this study. The population of the study was library professionals working in the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan. There were 13 public sector universities and 21 private sector universities. The census sampling technique was used to collect data from the respondents of the 34 universities. Data were collected with the help of a questionnaire. Out of 225 respondents, 189 completed questionnaires were received. Hence, the response rate was 84%. The gathered data were analyzed through SPSS software. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were applied to find out the impact of motivational and behavioral factors on the job outcomes of information professionals. The findings of the study showed that different types of motivation influenced information professionals to carry out innovative and value-added services in the workplace. Rewards, a sense of honor, an amicable work environment, and autonomy were the key categories of motivation that encouraged information professionals to undertake efficient job performance. Recommendations provided through a framework based on the findings of the study will prove to be a benchmark for policymakers, human resource managers, and heads of institutions in order to formulate such techniques that might motivate information professionals for the implementation of user-centric services.

Productivity story of Iranian librarians: assessing the impact of knowledge management and emotional intelligence

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effect of knowledge management (KM) development and emotional intelligence (EI) on the productivity of librarians regarding the mediating role of job motivation (JM) and job feedback (JF).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out in two phases. First, the variables affecting the productivity of librarians were identified and selected through an explorative study and by surveying their opinions. Then, the theoretically designed model was administered to 312 librarians at Iranian public libraries. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse data.

Findings

The results of this study showed that KM and EI, mediated by JM and JF, had a positive and significant effect on developing the librarians’ productivity. The results also revealed that JF had a positive effect on JM and that JF was more effective on productivity than JM. This study marginally proved the direct effect of KM and EI on productivity where KM was more effective than EI on productivity. Knowing the effects of organizational and individual factors on the higher productivity of librarians in public libraries will help library managers make more efficient use of those factors in developing the capabilities of librarians and enhancing productivity.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies of its kind that facilitates the perception of the concept of productivity in public libraries and also the assessment of the effects of organizational and individual factors on the librarians’ productivity.

Relationship between job involvement, leader-member exchange, and innovative behavior of public librarians

Public library leaders require librarians to exhibit markedly high job involvement and notably innovative behaviors to maintain pace with rapidly varying environments. The study examined the relationships between the job involvement, leader–member exchange, and innovative behavior of public librarians through structural equation modeling. The finding identified the antecedents (job involvement and leader–member exchange ) of innovation behavior. Leader–member exchange was a significant moderator of the job involvement–innovative behavior relationship. The findings can enhance understanding of these relationships in the public library context. Finally, the study provided suggestions for leaders within the librarianship profession to develop for themselves and their subordinates.