Work values of librarians in academic libraries: Exploring the relationships between values, job satisfaction, commitment, and intent to leave

This study examines the personal work values of academic librarians and the work values that are characteristic of their libraries. Extending the research on values and person-organization fit using Q methodology, academic librarians completed Q sorts for their most important work values and the most characteristic values of the organization. Individual analysis suggested four factors for individual values: relational, empowered, professional, and competent. Organizational analysis revealed four organizational factors: hierarchy, autonomous, relational, and professional. Job satisfaction, affective and continuous commitment, and intent to leave were measured through a survey instrument. Analysis indicated that individual factors did not produce significant effects on satisfaction, commitment, or intent to leave, while organizational factors did have a significant effect on satisfaction, commitment, and intent to leave. Using libraries that represented the organizational factors, individual and organizational areas of agreement and lack of agreement were examined to determine the person-organization fit of the librarians and to determine effects on satisfaction, commitment, and intent to leave in these representative libraries. Greatest alignment of values occurred in the relational libraries, while the least alignment of values occurred in the hierarchy.