Investigating the Organizational Climate for Creativity/Innovation among Librarians in Academic Libraries in South East Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractCreativity/innovation of librarians is imperative for the continuing relevance of academic libraries. However, for that to happen, the organizational climate of academic libraries has to be supportive of librarians’ creativity. This study investigated the organizational climate of four academic libraries in Nigeria in relation to creativity. Using a questionnaire as the instrument for collection of data, the study sought to know from a sample size of 103 librarians their perception of the organizational climate of their libraries as it relates to creativity. Six dimensions of organizational climate were investigated: organizational encouragement, supervisory encouragement, work group support, freedom, sufficient resources and challenging work. The findings revealed that work group and organizational encouragement were perceived to be highly positive for creativity. On the other hand, the least supportive dimension for creativity was sufficient resources. These findings reflected the problems/challenges which hinder creativity/innovation in these libraries and the strategies to enhance them as well. The study has implications for management and practice. Limitations of the study were captured and some recommendations for the way forward and for further studies were made.