KVALITET OCH INNOVATION SKA VÄLJA OSS. Organisationskommunikation och rationalitetsprinciper. Karlstad universitetsbiblioteks forskningsfrämjande uppdrag.

Abstract

This thesis draws from institutional theory when analyzing organizational communication at Karlstad University (KAU). Focal point is the research library and primarily their purpose to support and facilitate research and the dissemination of knowledge. Research questions in this study are: Which conflicting orders of worth are present in KAUs organizational communication? What effects can be seen in the academic librarys law bound purpose to support and facilitate research and the dissemination of knowledge? The assumption of conflict is based on research within the field of organizational theory, which states that public sector organizations has a number of unique traits, that in themselves, are in opposition. By discussing effects of conflicting principles, the ambition is to increase understanding of how/if this effects the academic library. Analysis suggests competing institutional logics is a reality at Karlstad Universitet. The results show that the library is downplayed or absent when resources for qualitative and innovative research are communicated strategically. My empirical study in combination with literature and documents suggests that civil rationality principles dominate the library. I suggest that Reineckes model of strategies when orders of worth clash present a useful framework and that the library, through its strong historical and civic reputation and profession, uses a strategy of niche legitimacy to make sense of their purpose within current organizational structure. Conclusion: Conflicting principles of rationality is not an issue in itself, it is instead the ability to reason and adopt a reflexive approach that allows for agency within the area of expertise at the library profession. However, further studies are needed on this topic.