Page 88 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 5: Library Staffing

Introduction Notes

The managerial function of staffing involves manning the organization structure through proper
and effective selection, appraisal and development of the personnel to fill the roles assigned to
the employers/workforce.
According to Theo Haimann, “Staffing pertains to recruitment, selection, development and
compensation of subordinates.”
Staffing has been an important aspect in all types of organizations’ development. More and
more companies have noticed a good staffing plan could increase productivity and reduce
operation costs in terms of lower turnover rate and transition costs. Good staffing could be able
to minimize cost in order to maximize profit, because it could assist the company to stay more
competitive within the industry. According to the definition by Dr. Green, “staffing is the
process of identifying work requirements within an organization; determining the number of
people and the skills necessary to do the work; and recruiting, selecting and promoting the
qualified candidates. It is the selection process of screening and hiring new employees, which
includes functions like resume reviewing, interview, drug testing, assessment testing, and
background check” (Green, 2003). Different companies have different strategies in how to select
their candidates. Depending on the size, geographic and industry etc., their strategies could be
very different. Therefore, one specific staffing plan might work for one company, but it might
not work for another.
”In staffing an organization or an organizational unit, it is important to consider its
developmental stage-embryonic, high growth, mature, or aging-in order to align staffing
decisions with business strategy”.

5.1 Importance of Library Staffing

“Staffing is the process, through which competent employees are selected, properly trained,
effectively developed, and suitably rewarded and their efforts harmoniously integrated towards
achieving the objectives of the business.” Staffing has been an important aspect in an
organization’s performance. They are:
1. Enhances other managerial functions: It influences the direction and control in the
organization. The effectiveness of the other managerial functions depends on the
effectiveness of the staffing function of the organization.
2. Training and development: Staffing provides training and development to the employees.
It enhances the employees to work effectively, and it leads to performance of the
organization.
3. Effective coordination: Staffing function helps to build proper human relationships in the
organization. An Effective human relation is the key to better communication and
coordination of managerial efforts in an organization.
4. Effective recruitment and placement: Staffing provides effective recruitment and placement
which selects the right person for the right job. It will automatically increase the performance
of organization by having or selecting talented employees for the organization.
5. Building effective human resource: For an organization, talented and experienced staffs
are the best assets. It will be created by staffing function. Staffing inculcates the corporate
culture into the staff which in turn ensures smooth functioning of all the managerial
aspects of the business.

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