Abstract
ABSTRACTPurpose. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to understand the lived leadership experiences of introverted academic library directors and deans. The researcher’s goal was to explore the leadership traits, style, and challenges of introverted academic library leaders. A phenomenological methodology was used to explore the phenomenon through the lens of authentic leadership theory.
Methodology. The design of this study was qualitative, and the research applied a phenomenological research method. The method explores the lived experience of library leaders at higher education institutions who self-identified and tested as introverted. To examine the research participants’ lived experiences, they responded to interview questions. The four participants have varied levels of leadership experience at private, non-profit institutions.
Findings. The study identified six common themes among the research participants: relationship-building, trust, listening to comprehend, a moral center, unintended leadership, and comfort level. The moral center theme forms the base for the introverted library leader model, as it is an integral part of their personalities and style of leadership.
Conclusions. The results of this research add to the literature the experience of introverted academic library leaders, and the connection between these leaders’ personalities and leadership styles and the traits of authentic leaders.
Implications. The findings of this study will add to the field of library leadership, as it gives insight into the leadership styles of introverted leaders. It also indicates that authentic leadership theory is a leadership style that overlaps with introverted leaders, and can be used as a model for existing or prospective academic library leaders.
Recommendations. Further research should quantitatively explore the connection between authentic leadership theory and introverted academic library leaders. Additionally, introverted leaders in other types of libraries and other fields could be qualitatively studied in a similar manner.