Library leadership and succession planning in Vietnam

Libraries in Vietnam have seen a marked change in the process of selecting leaders. In the past, the head of a library was appointed by the higher rank leaders from the parent organisation. Selection of library leaders is now a more democratic process. This change presents several challenges for consideration in the development of qualified cohorts of future library leaders.

Underpinned by transformational leadership theory, this study examines library leadership and succession planning in Vietnam by investigating existing succession planning in Mekong Delta libraries; examining how library leaders have dealt with succession planning challenges over the past decade; and positing a theoretical model for the succession planning process. This study utilised a case study multi-method approach in all of the thirteen public libraries and four selected academic libraries in the Mekong Delta through two phases. An online survey was first conducted with 172 respondents. Data from this phase were analysed and informed the second phase, which involved in-depth interviews with twenty-three senior managers and board of director members.

The research findings revealed that succession planning is very important and necessary due to its dual benefits for employees and libraries. However, most general staff members have not personally participated in library succession planning. The findings also showed that various factors influence succession planning, including the impact of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This study contributes a theoretical model of a succession planning process to the knowledge of library succession planning. Understanding the role of the Communist Party, the required elements of library succession planning and the steps following the process provide insights into the nature of succession planning as a process of leadership and professional growth. This study suggests that library leaders should maximise the participation of general staff in succession planning so as to help prevent bias. Insights into the implementation of succession planning in the Mekong Delta also suggest implications and recommendations for library leaders, parent organisation leaders, and policy makers in a broader context.