Moving toward democratic-transformational leadership in academic libraries
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 15 September 2020
Issue publication date: 20 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore academic library leadership behaviors and the methods for integrating the democratic and transformational leadership styles.
Design/methodology/approach
Eleven structured interviews were conducted with academic deans and directors. A thematic content analysis was conducted on their responses, analyzing the frequency of certain topics and identifying emergent themes. These themes were then used to construct a democratic communication model.
Findings
The interview responses were grouped into five general leadership themes: participation in decision-making, relationship building, frequent and honest communication, equality and knowing the environment.
Research limitations/implications
The structured interview format did not permit for unplanned follow-up questions, and some topics may not have come up in every interview unless specifically asked by an interview question. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, the perspectives of the participants may not be generalizable to the larger population.
Practical implications
This study identifies core themes of leadership practice that extend beyond the focus of transformational leadership alone. It suggests a democratic communication model to assist in integrating democratic leadership methods with transformational practices and goals.
Social implications
This study suggests a greater emphasis on the communication and engagement practices of democratic leadership. In doing so, it suggests that the American Library Association's emphasis on transformational leadership alone should be reconsidered and that library science schools should increase focus on democratic leadership practices.
Originality/value
Most library leadership style studies emphasize transformational leadership. While there are some studies that explore elements of democratic leadership such as engagement and a flattening of organizational hierarchy, there is limited research on the integration of democratic and transformational leadership practices.
Keywords
Citation
Wilson, D.E. (2020), "Moving toward democratic-transformational leadership in academic libraries", Library Management, Vol. 41 No. 8/9, pp. 731-744. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-03-2020-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited