Application of Postmodern Management in Libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran*

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Nahid Soleymani 1
Ahmad Shabani 2
Saeed Rajaee Pour 3
1 Library, School of Education Sciences and Psychology, The University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Professor, Library, School of Education Sciences and Psychology, The University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran (Corresponding Author) Email: shabania@edu.ui.ac.ir
3 Assistant Professor, Educational Administration, School of Education Sciences and Psychology, The University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The emergence of postmodern management components such as persuading, selfcontrolling,
servant leadership, proactive organizing, innovation and co-creating, have raised doubts about
traditional management models. The present study aimed to review the application rate of postmodern
management components in the libraries of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive survey, the study population consisted of all the staff of libraries in Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences (n = 78). The sample size was estimated as 55 subjects that were recruited
using the stratified random sampling method in 2010-2011. To collect the data, a researcher-made
questionnaire was used for the existing and the ideal situations. Its validity was confirmed by the face
validity and using Cronbach’s alpha the reliability of the questionnaire was estimated as 0.97 for the
existing situation and 0.96 for the ideal situation. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential
statistics i.e. one-sample t-test, independent t-test, chi-square, Hotelling, analysis of variance (ANOVA)
and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test by the SPSS software.
Results: The mean scores of postmodern management components in the existing situation were lower
than the average and in ideal situation were higher than the average. There was also a significant
difference between mean scores of postmodern management components in the existing situation based on
demographic factor of gender in components of self-controlling, servant leadership, and innovation; and in
ideal situation based on demographic factor of type of work in co-creating (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: With the advent of the postmodern era and considering the importance of management as an
essential pillar of development and progress, managers of academic libraries should be acquainted with
postmodern management and should apply its components for appropriate management of libraries.
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Health Information Management
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