Factors Enabling and Constraining Research in a Small, Research-Intensive South African University
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| Title: | Factors Enabling and Constraining Research in a Small, Research-Intensive South African University |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Snowball, Jen D., Shackleton, Charlie M. |
| Source: | Research Evaluation. Apr 2018 27(2):119-131. |
| Availability: | Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://applij.oxfordjournals.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2018 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education |
| Descriptors: | Research Universities, Online Surveys, Foreign Countries, Reputation, Institutional Evaluation, Productivity, College Faculty, Research, Focus Groups, Teacher Attitudes, Intellectual Disciplines, School Policy, Teacher Motivation |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| DOI: | 10.1093/reseval/rvy002 |
| ISSN: | 0958-2029 |
| Abstract: | Research is increasingly regarded a core facet of university endeavours globally, and research profiles of universities, institutes, and colleges are commonly used as one measure for ranking them. University administrations and funders would be better able to stimulate research if they had insights into context-specific, institutional constraints, and enablers. Yet, there is surprisingly little research on the determinants of research productivity amongst academics employed in the higher education sector, particularly in the global south. Barriers and enablers of research at the individual level may differ, and experience of such may vary across career stage. The objective of the research reported here was to determine what enables and motivates some academics at Rhodes University (South Africa) to do research, what problems and constraints may be making it difficult for those who may wish to do more, and how do these vary in relation to research career stage. An anonymous online survey, with follow-up focus group discussions was used to collect the data. Results show similarities to studies in developed countries, but also reveal disciplinary and career stage differences, which suggest that institutional policies need to take these factors into account when designing support or incentives. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2018 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1176325 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Research is increasingly regarded a core facet of university endeavours globally, and research profiles of universities, institutes, and colleges are commonly used as one measure for ranking them. University administrations and funders would be better able to stimulate research if they had insights into context-specific, institutional constraints, and enablers. Yet, there is surprisingly little research on the determinants of research productivity amongst academics employed in the higher education sector, particularly in the global south. Barriers and enablers of research at the individual level may differ, and experience of such may vary across career stage. The objective of the research reported here was to determine what enables and motivates some academics at Rhodes University (South Africa) to do research, what problems and constraints may be making it difficult for those who may wish to do more, and how do these vary in relation to research career stage. An anonymous online survey, with follow-up focus group discussions was used to collect the data. Results show similarities to studies in developed countries, but also reveal disciplinary and career stage differences, which suggest that institutional policies need to take these factors into account when designing support or incentives. |
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| ISSN: | 0958-2029 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/reseval/rvy002 |
