Identifying diversity in academic libraries to improve management of diversity

Abstract

A number of studies have been conducted in relation to the workplace and many have noted a marked increase in the number of different generational cohorts that co-exist in the workplace over recent decades. However, fewer have specifically investigated the increase of different generational cohorts in academic libraries and even fewer that focused on generational diversity in South African academic libraries. There are different generational cohorts that co-exist in the workplace however that is still a very difficult topic to engage in because of the complexity of diversity itself. The purpose of this study was to present a systematic review of the evidence based literature concerning generational diversity in academic libraries in order to improve its management. It specifically investigated where different generational cohorts exist in academic libraries and the working relationship between these different generational cohorts. This study used a quantitative research approach to address its objectives. The objectives of this study were to investigate generational diversity in the cohorts that co-exist in the workplace in the academic libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, to ascertain if there are any challenges associated with the values and types of the diverse population and the impacts thereof in the academic libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, to ascertain similarities and differences across generations with respect to values, goals, preferences and behaviours and to provide strategies to improve diversity management. The main findings were that each generation has a different working style hence they are likely to clash every now and again. Employees across these generational cohorts also have different preferences when it comes to how they receive feedback and collaborate with others in the workplace. With each generation having such distinctive traits and characteristics, there is always potential risk of conflict happening due to clashing values and beliefs.

It is hoped that this study will inform academic library practitioners about generational diversity and assist in managing it.