The importance of visibility

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the benefits of being visible in stewardship of an organization and the resources invested.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the concepts of management by walking around and Gemba and how visibility can be used to best advantage in a library.

Findings

The paper finds that, in a tough economy especially, staff need supervisors to be visible and support changes that might have occurred, and patrons need to know that administrators are paying attention to how resources are used. A purposeful and meaningful effort by managers to be more visible and accessible can result in greater understanding of details, a better sense of loyalty, and higher levels of morale and patron satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the importance of visibility within the library working environment.

Citation

Crumpton, M.A. (2010), "The importance of visibility", The Bottom Line, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 232-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880451011104090