Gender, Rank, and Teaching Hours as Predictors of Research Productivity among Higher Education Faculty

Abstract

Research productivity is the topmost concern of most universities. Based on the survey conducted, only few of the faculty at Palawan State University had published research in the last six years. This study aimed to identify the predictors of research productivity to provide administrators with research-based information that will serve as the basis in the formulation of institutional research policies that will help increase research productivity. The researcher used descriptive research design and involved the 277 faculty and 12 administrative officials of Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines as respondents. Triangulated data gathering techniques which include questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion validated by a panel of experts were used. A parametric test such as multiple regression was used in the statistical analysis of data. This study revealed that gender, rank, and number of teaching hours predicted research productivity. Interviews and focus group discussions disclosed that some of the faculties were self-motivated to do research while others were motivated by points for promotion and load reduction. The university must organize research training and mentoring on the research process; give remuneration; reduce the workload of faculty who conducts research; enhance faculty’s self-motivation to do research and set guidelines for promotion of outstanding researchers. KEYWORDS - Education, predictors of research productivity, HEIs, descriptive design, PhilippinesResearch productivity is the topmost concern of most universities. Based on the survey conducted, only few of the faculty at Palawan State University had published research in the last six years. This study aimed to identify the predictors of research productivity to provide administrators with research-based information that will serve as the basis in the formulation of institutional research policies that will help increase research productivity. The researcher used descriptive research design and involved the 277 faculty and 12 administrative officials of Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines as respondents. Triangulated data gathering techniques which include questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion validated by a panel of experts were used. A parametric test such as multiple regression was used in the statistical analysis of data. This study revealed that gender, rank, and number of teaching hours predicted research productivity. Interviews and focus group discussions disclosed that some of the faculties were self-motivated to do research while others were motivated by points for promotion and load reduction. The university must organize research training and mentoring on the research process; give remuneration; reduce the workload of faculty who conducts research; enhance faculty’s self-motivation to do research and set guidelines for promotion of outstanding researchers. KEYWORDS - Education, predictors of research productivity, HEIs, descriptive design, Philippines