Examining the Effect of Accreditation on Higher Education Performance through Motivation as a Mediator

Abstract

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to gain insight into the direct effect of accreditation on motivation and higher education performance, and the direct effect of motivation on higher education performance. Second, to examine the indirect effect of accreditation on higher education performance through motivation in the university setting. The study uses a quantitative research approach and collects data from administrative managers at 105 Pakistani universities through face-to-face and online survey methods, and the said data is subsequently analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings reveal that accreditation has a substantial effect on motivation and higher education performance, and motivation has a considerable effect on higher education performance. Also, accreditation has an indirect effect on higher education performance through motivation. The study contributes empirically by examining the effects of accreditation on motivation and higher education performance and broadens theoretical understanding by introducing motivation as a mediator related to accreditation and higher education performance. Policymakers, administrators, and quality managers can leverage the findings of this study by motivating their academic staff to effectively implement accreditation standards. Furthermore, operationalizing higher education performance through teaching, research, and service will assist policymakers in bringing excellence to their universities by emphasizing these three roles/missions equally.