Cultivating leadership in Asian libraries: a longitudinal impact study

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a study aimed at assessing the impact of the only recurring Asian library leadership institute on its participants. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature focussing on similar longitudinal studies was first conducted followed by a survey of past participants aimed at utilizing a self-evaluation approach. Findings – The study found it difficult to establish a conclusive cause and effect link between institute attendance and the subsequent changes in participants’ professional lives. Nevertheless the study provides compelling evidence that the institute has enhanced participants’ leadership skills, knowledge and insights and thus contributed directly or indirectly to changes in respect of their career progression, involvement in leadership activities and changes at their respective organizations. Research limitations/implications – Like other similar longitudinal studies on library leadership training, the inconclusive nature of findings suggests that further analysis of participants might be undertaken through a qualitative approach in the form of focus group interviews with the participants and over a time period less than the ten years used in the study. Practical implications – Survey respondents provided overwhelming support for the institute providing organizers with the motivation to continue to provide this opportunity to librarians in the Asia region. Originality/value – As the only Asian library leadership training of its kind, this study has delivered a unique set of data that provides perspectives that have not been previously documented.