Administrative factors affecting employees absenteeism in academic and public libraries in Jordan

SummaryAbsence from work is a persistent and challenging problem confronting organizations. This study aims to analyze the effect on absence rates of the following administrative factors: line of authority, work climate, leadership, communication, employment, supervision, decision-making, and innovation; the extent of occupational variables: library type, specialization, and organizational department; and employees’ characteristics: gender, age, marital status, and experience, at eight state academic and six public libraries in Jordan.Data was collected via field visits, personal interviews and a questionnaire. Of the 132 staff applicable to the study objectives, 115 (87.1%) responded. ANOVA, T-test and “Duncan dimensional comparisons” methods were used for statistical data analysis. Study findings revealed that poor organizational structure, improper work climate, poor leadership and communication processes, the absence of sensible employment policies, poor supervision, and managers’ passiveness are administrative factors negatively affecting employees’ absence from work. Statistical analysis of mean values revealed that there is a significant statistical difference, at the α⩾0.05 level, between all administrative factors attributed to respondents’ personal characteristics and occupational variables.Recommended solutions include establishing sensible organizational structures delegating authority, promoting teamwork practice, developing job descriptions and evaluation systems, allowing employees’ freedom of choice to perform job duties, supporting cooperative working relations, promoting managers’ attitudes towards delegation of authority, open-door communication policies, and providing employees with training opportunities and motivations.