Higher Education Institutions In India Research Articles

Exploring the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict

In the modern workplace, the imbalance between work and family roles often leads to work-family conflict, negatively impacting employees' well-being. This study examines the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict among teaching professionals in private higher education institutions in India. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model was used to assess psychosocial workload and its impact on psychological distress and work-family conflict. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, gathering data from 391 respondents across 35 multidisciplinary deemed universities. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate a significant positive relationship between psychosocial workload and work-family conflict, with psychological distress acting as a mediator. A high psychosocial workload was found to increase psychological distress, which, in turn, intensified work-family conflict. These findings highlight the importance of interventions such as flexible work arrangements, workload management, and supportive organizational cultures to mitigate these stressors. The study contributes to the fields of organizational psychology and employee well-being, offering practical insights for university administrators to promote work-life balance and reduce psychological distress.

A phenomenological study of women’s everyday lived experiences and perceptions in science research organizations in India

There has been a significant paucity of representation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) on a worldwide scale. Women are more likely to be at a disadvantage than men due to the existence of gender prejudices as well as other social and cultural variables. This tendency is also present in India. Feminist scholars within the Science, Technology, and Society field have conducted thorough examinations of the gender component, despite their relatively small representation. This study aims to examine the challenges faced by female scientists in higher education institutions in India to comprehend these issues. It employs a phenomenological approach, using primary data to investigate how female scientists perceive their day-to-day lives and the world around them, and it focuses on the perceptions and experiences of these women. The study finds that women who work in STEMM fields face a wide variety of challenges and roadblocks both on the personal and professional front. In addition, it highlights certain attitudes that have a negative impact on women working in the field of science, such as the rationalization of institutional prejudices and unwillingness to recognize discrimination. It concludes with a few policy implications.

Antecedents and consequences of distributed leadership in Indian higher education

PurposeThe concept of distributed leadership (DL) has been widely advocated within higher education (HE). Yet, there have been few empirical investigations and little theory development outside Western contexts to date. This study presents a unique conceptualisation of DL and tests it empirically in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study tests a moderated-mediation model by exploring the antecedents and consequences of DL in HE. Standardised questionnaires were drawn from literature and completed by a sample of 269 respondents from six top-ranked (elite) Indian higher education institutions (HEIs). Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis techniques were used to analyse the data.FindingsResults demonstrated that empowering power structure (EPS) is positively related to DL, whilst participation in decision-making (PDM) strengthened this relationship. Further, it is also noted that DL mediates the relationship between EPS and behavioural outcomes of employee voice and silence.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that a DL approach can be effective at enhancing employee voice and reducing employee silence within HEIs in (and perhaps beyond) India. The research also suggests that where institutions implement EPS alongside opportunities for PDM, this can help foster and sustain DL.Originality/valueBy exploring antecedents (EPS and PDM) and consequences (voice and silence), this paper presents a novel approach to studying DL. The focus on Indian HE offers a more nuanced empirical understanding of DL in a non-Western context.

An Analysis of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for Transforming Infrastructure Development and Research Excellence in Higher Educational Institutions in India: A Comparative Study

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a major step towards improving higher education in India, focusing on better infrastructure and promoting research. This study examines how NEP 2020 changes Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by encouraging them to build world-class facilities and boost research activities. It highlights key reforms like giving institutions more freedom, creating multidisciplinary Universities, and supporting research through the National Research Foundation (NRF). The study examines how these changes aim to improve the quality of education and research in India. It also explores how HEIs use technology and digital tools to support learning and research. Additionally, the study reviews how the policy encourages global partnerships and addresses gaps in research funding and capacity. Through a mix of legal analysis and data collection, this study evaluates the progress, challenges, and future possibilities of the NEP’s impact on higher education in India. The findings show the policy’s potential to bring lasting improvements while identifying areas that need more attention for continued growth. Keywords: Institution, Explore, Policy, Technology

New Reforms in Indian Higher Education: Rethinking the Education Model

The National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 will bring flexibility to the curriculum through a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, a new assessment process, resource empowerment, multiple exit options, and encouraging internationalization. Adopting an open curriculum with transdisciplinary course patterns, including flexibility in electives, has led to progress in skill development, holistic development, community engagement, technological integration, environmental education, and value-based education. Ranking and accreditation will have a significant impact on the quality of education and research. It is necessary to frame an education policy that will give better results in creativity, development of critical thinking, decision-making skills, and problem-solving abilities. The new reforms aim to enhance the quality and effectiveness of future-ready higher education institutions in India. In this paper, an attempt has been made to present various reforms in the Indian higher education system, its regulatory structure, and teaching pedagogy.

A Study of the Readiness of Higher Education Institutions in Delhi for Inclusion of Transgender in Education

This descriptive study was an attempt to examine the preparedness of higher education institutions in the National Capital Region with respect to inclusion of Transgender in Higher Education .Data was collected using rating scales and questionnaire from two important stakeholders including students and faculty to find the facilities available to support inclusion of transgender as well as gauge their attitudes towards the inclusion of transgender in Education. The study documented the experiences of transgender studying in higher education institutions in order to find the ground reality of nature and extent of their inclusion and the challenges faced by them .This study has thrown light on the facilities that need to be instituted in order to pave the way for inclusion of the transgender in education .It has also created an understanding of the awareness and sensitisation programmes that are needed to sensitise the different stakeholders towards contributing positively towards their inclusion in education .The conclusion drawn from the findings of the study shall help in feeding policy guidelines for higher education institutions in India with respect to supporting the cause of inclusion of transgender in Higher Education.

Libraries and National Education Policy (NEP 2020) of India in higher education

Purpose This study aims to provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, identify areas where libraries can play crucial role in effective implementation of NEP 2020 and explains the role of libraries in higher education for implementation of NEP 2020 in India. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of the present research, the researcher has evaluated The “National Education Policy 2020” document consisting of 65 pages. The contents of NEP 2020 are evaluated to find out major areas of working for libraries and in the context of major areas, the crucial role which a library can play in implementation of NEP 2020 is described. Hence, the research methodology followed is “descriptive research method”. Findings NEP is bringing out tremendous positive changes in higher education in India. The changes can be effectively implemented with the help of libraries and library professionals to adapt to course, curriculum, research and infrastructure-related changes. The challenges of the 21st century in the field of higher education are related to personality development, strengthening of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), internationalisation of higher education, specific skills and values for students, motivation for researchers and teachers as well as for equity and inclusiveness of higher education can be effectively imparted by libraries and it can contribute as a catalyst for overall national development. Research limitations/implications The study covers NEP of India 2020 and the role of libraries in HEIs of India are described. Practical implications NEP 2020 and its implementation are mandatory in HEIs in India. All universities and colleges in India had started implementing India’s NEP 2020, and hence, accessing the role of libraries in higher education for the successful implementation of NEP 2020 is essential. Elaborating on the “Role of Libraries under National Education Policy 2020” of India, libraries play a very important role in implementing the NEP 2020 of India. The sub-chapters from 9 to 19 under Chapter III on higher education are thoroughly studied by the researcher and on the basis of the contents related to NEP in the higher education system of India, the library parameters that can identify the role of libraries in NEP 2020 are explained. Social implications Libraries contribute to “personal development” as well as “to inculcate certain prescribed skills and values”. “Interdisciplinary research” is intended to develop an active community of research in various disciplines as well as to increase the efficiency of both physical resources and human resources. Promoting interdisciplinary research is done through libraries. Many libraries have developed “inclusive education centres” to provide library facilities to visually impaired and disabled students. Originality/value Overall personality development, strengthening of educational institutions, optimistic move towards multidisciplinary education through identification of business skills and specific skills and values, internationalisation of education, a motivation factor for students, teachers and researchers as well as equity and inclusiveness in higher education are all the areas occupied by libraries. It is described elaborately and it is of social and educational value for all.

From the Inertia of Tradition to Organizational Absorption of Strategy Practices: A Grounded Theory Study in Indian Higher Educational Institutions

The study examines how higher educational institutions navigate from the inertia of tradition to organizational absorption of strategy practices. The grounded theory approach was adopted for data collection and data analysis. The thematic analysis method was adopted to condense the raw data into a few meaningful themes. There were four reasons for the continuity of inertia of tradition: groupthink inertia, fear-inducing inertia, skepticism, and the endowment effect. The study found seven orientations of organizational absorption: cognitive-oriented absorption, intractability-oriented absorption, exigency and adaption-oriented absorption, endurance-oriented absorption, “tradition-hazard”-oriented absorption, transposition-oriented absorption, and employee agility-oriented absorption. There were three dimensions of organizational absorption: Structural, processual, and procedural. The study found four themes for leadership manipulations as stimuli for cultural transitions for absorption: leadership decisiveness, embracing change-seeking culture, openness and benchmarking, and dynamic decision-making.

National Education Policy, 2020 and Appointment of Teachers through UGCNET-the Policy Paradox

In a recent notification in July (UGC, 5th July ) 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has once again acknowledged the vitality of the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) and State Eligibility Test (SET) as minimum criteria for appointment of teachers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) whereas Ph.D. will remain an optional criterion. This notification once again revived the debates of NET or an accredited test (SLET/SET) and/or Ph.D. and embarked scholars to read the underlying causes of such frequently changing policies of UGC and overall ramifications of these on recruitment in the HEIs. In the context of implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, role of the HEIs for ensuring quality education has focused [1]. However, how these can be achieved through a dichotomous policy of NET/SLET/SET or PhD in the matters of selection of teachers. When many universities and colleges are run with inadequate teachers, in what ways they can fulfil the goal of NEP, 2020? How NET or an accredited test can be an important criterion for strengthening research programmers in HEIs? This paper critically evaluates these issues and presents the prolong issue of teachers’ recruitment and role of HEIs in India for quality education through teachers in the context of NEP. It brings light to how contradictory policies are embedded and in operational in the form of UGC-NET and other similar tests for limiting HEIs despite implementation of NEP, 2020.

Funding and Library Resource Management in Higher Education Universities in India

Libraries are regarded as vast repositories of information that have accumulated from academic works throughout time. These preserves contain intellectual information and convey it to future generations. This study discusses the current portrayal of government and private efforts in higher education and the involvement of libraries in advancing the use of these initiatives for teaching, research, and extension activities in Higher Educational Institutions (HEI). This research conducted a comparative analysis of libraries' financing and resource management in Indian HEI. The empirical investigation used a questionnaire-based research design. The research used a sample size of 100, selected by the purposeful sampling method. The questionnaire served as the primary tool for gathering data. The insights gained were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The examination showed that the noticed funding source significantly impacted various aspects of university libraries in India. This includes the distribution of knowledge resources, the preservation of library amenities, accessibility to human resources, and the provisioning of library amenities. These data suggest that librarians should consider other financing methods, if needed, to enhance their services. Additional endeavors should be undertaken to tackle the problems of the growth of human resources, acquisition of facilities, and their subsequent upkeep. Ultimately, it is crucial to include the university librarian in the strategic planning of HEI.

Entrepreneurship education: Analyzing the perception and motivation undergone in higher education institutions

Young people in India are becoming more accepting of the profession of entrepreneurship. While the creation, financing, and positive and negative outcomes of a start-up have all been widely researched, more research is needed to understand the entrepreneurial environment that supports, nurtures, and educates entrepreneurs. Higher education institutions are one such element of this ecosystem that is essential in educating India’s future business people. Therefore, this study is intended to establish the practice of entrepreneurship learning in higher educational institutions in India and to analyze the perception of students on entrepreneurship education. Using proportional stratified random selection, 345 undergraduate students from India’s top-ranked universities made up the overall sample for this. SEM analysis was used to assess the study’s hypotheses, and the link between the variables was investigated using SEM analysis. The results showed thatgovernment regulation, socioeconomic circumstances, entrepreneurial orientation, monetary assistance, and entrepreneurial confidence favorably impact entrepreneurial motivation. The findings of this study will aid in the modification and customization of entrepreneurial programs to satisfy the needs of different organizations and geographical regions.

Factors Shaping the Adoption of AI Tools among Gen Z: An Extended UTAUT2 Model Investigation Using CB-SEM

Artificial Intelligence, at the forefront of innovation and intelligence, is redefining the pace of life and work, notably within education. This study investigates the determinants influencing Gen Z's behavioral intentions (BI) to integrate AI-powered tools within Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) by extending the UTAUT2 model with four additional constructs: trustworthiness, personal innovativeness, perceived task excellence, and perceived privacy concern. The data gathered from 430 respondents within Indian HEIs through an online survey following purposive sampling was meticulously analyzed using the structural equation modeling approach in AMOS. The findings validate the applicability of the UTAUT2 model for understanding AI tool integration in the Indian context, with an explanatory power of 34.2%. The study highlights the beneficial impact of hedonic motivation, perceived task excellence, facilitating conditions, and performance expectancy on Gen Z's intention to integrate AI tools. Additionally, the study suggests recommendations for future research and outlines implications based on these findings.

Interpreting Workplace Bullying in Higher Education Institutions in India: Through the Lens of Gender

This article attempts to explore the prevalence, forms and responses to workplace bullying through a gendered lens using the theory of gendered organisation and gender role socialisation theory. The study is conducted among faculty in higher education institutions in India, and the article also discusses the context of new managerialism prevalent in higher education institutions. Adopting, interpretive phenomenological analysis, data are collected from 13 respondents using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data reveal that workplace bullying in higher education institutions is gendered. The five major themes identified are the prevalence of bullying, gender differences in types of bullying, gender and leadership position, gender and responses to bullying and gender roles and reasons for bullying. The article contributes at micro level, the influence of gender in academics on the level of bullying, the types of bullying techniques preferred by them, and the variation in their behavioural reactions. This study broadens the perspective of workplace bullying in higher education institutions through the concepts of gender, culture and new managerialism.

Employee Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutes of India –A Study of LPU Employees

With rising expectations for high-quality instruction, research output, and global competitiveness, India's higher education industry has seen significant change recently. Amidst these shifts, there is now more attention on the topic of employee well-being in higher education institutions. The nature of work in academia settings, with its high standards, demanding schedules, and frequently difficult workloads, calls for a closer look at the variables affecting the wellbeing of those who contribute to the mission of LPU using Lovely Professional University as an example, this case study offers a distinctive viewpoint on employee well-being in the context of Indian higher education. LPU's quick development, wide range of academia programmers, and dedication to building a lively community make it an engaging place to learn about the difficulties associated with employee well-being in the context of an evolving educational institution. In an environment where demands are high, and stress levels can be significant, prioritizing the wellbeing of faculty and staff is not just a moral support but also essential for maintaining productivity, creativity, and overall effectiveness organizational. Keywords: employee well-being, higher education, educational institutes.

Measurement and analysis of change in research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics after PhD coursework

BackgroundKnowledge of statistics is highly important for research scholars, as they are expected to submit a thesis based on original research as part of a PhD program. As statistics play a major role in the analysis and interpretation of scientific data, intensive training at the beginning of a PhD programme is essential. PhD coursework is mandatory in universities and higher education institutes in India. This study aimed to compare the scores of knowledge in statistics and attitudes towards statistics among the research scholars of an institute of medical higher education in South India at different time points of their PhD (i.e., before, soon after and 2–3 years after the coursework) to determine whether intensive training programs such as PhD coursework can change their knowledge or attitudes toward statistics.MethodsOne hundred and thirty research scholars who had completed PhD coursework in the last three years were invited by e-mail to be part of the study. Knowledge and attitudes toward statistics before and soon after the coursework were already assessed as part of the coursework module. Knowledge and attitudes towards statistics 2–3 years after the coursework were assessed using Google forms. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was also sought.ResultsKnowledge and attitude scores improved significantly subsequent to the coursework (i.e., soon after, percentage of change: 77%, 43% respectively). However, there was significant reduction in knowledge and attitude scores 2–3 years after coursework compared to the scores soon after coursework; knowledge and attitude scores have decreased by 10%, 37% respectively.ConclusionThe study concluded that the coursework program was beneficial for improving research scholars’ knowledge and attitudes toward statistics. A refresher program 2–3 years after the coursework would greatly benefit the research scholars. Statistics educators must be empathetic to understanding scholars’ anxiety and attitudes toward statistics and its influence on learning outcomes.

A Strategic Approach To Resilient And Sustainable Higher Education Institutions In India

A Strategic Approach To Resilient And Sustainable Higher Education Institutions In India

What is the link between entrepreneurial knowledge, business planning and entrepreneurial intentions? An empirical study on Indian Higher Education Institutions

PurposeThe study seeks to conduct an empirical investigation on the impact of entrepreneurship education (EE) through its components, i.e. entrepreneurial knowledge (EK) and business planning (BP) on entrepreneurial intentions (EI) in India.Design/methodology/approachAn electronic questionnaire was used to collect data from 340 engineering students and partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the collected data.FindingsThe findings revealed that EK and BP have no direct impact on EI, however, they have an indirect influence through attitude towards entrepreneurship (ATE) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), whereas subjective norms (SN) have no mediation impact on the relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has been conducted on students of engineering background only, future studies can be carried out by incorporating more attitudinal and environmental determinants with larger data sizes from diverse educational streams.Practical implicationsThis study is of immense significance to policymakers and educational establishments in designing the purposefully designed EE courses that can drive the entrepreneurial intentionality of students.Originality/valueThe study adds to the paucity of research on the systematic elaboration of EE construct underlining the specific impact of EK and BP as EE dimensions on students' EI. To the best of authors' awareness, this kind of investigation has not been conducted in indian higher educational institution (HEI) context.

Implementation of Knowledge Management in Universities of India

This article examines the essential need for and difficulties related with the adoption of knowledge management (KM) strategies in institutions across India. The implementation of information Management, a methodical strategy for acquiring, arranging, and distributing institutional information, is becoming more and more crucial in the swiftly changing environment of higher education. The essay explores the specific circumstances of Indian universities, where a variety of academic fields, cultural subtleties, and administrative intricacies provide particular obstacles to the efficient administration of information. The use of Knowledge Management (KM) at Indian institutions is examined in relation to worldwide patterns and the revolutionary influence it may have on academic and administrative procedures. The paper emphasizes the possible advantages, such as increased cooperation, better decision-making, and optimized resource allocation. It also acknowledges the need for a cultural transformation inside academic institutions to promote a culture of sharing information among academics, students, and administrative personnel. Moreover, the study analyses the necessary technology infrastructure for effectively implementing knowledge management in Indian institutions. The text highlights the significance of using sophisticated information systems, cloud computing, and data analytics to enable effective generation, storage, and retrieval of knowledge. The significance of leadership in spearheading this cultural and technical transformation is underscored, as successful knowledge management requires robust institutional backing and strategic foresight. The article discusses the obstacles that arise while adopting Knowledge Management (KM) at Indian universities and business schools, including opposition to change, concerns over data security, and the need for capacity training. The article suggests implementing a gradual and flexible strategy, customized to the specific attributes of each university, to address these obstacles and optimize the advantages of knowledge management in promoting the academic objectives and overall efficiency of higher education institutions in India.

Framework For Performance Management, ICT-Based Digitalization in A Higher Education Institution

By improving teaching and learning, research, and governance, digital technology has altered the educational landscape in academic institutions. Adequate infrastructure, improved internet access, modern digital tools, a secure platform, and professionals with digital competency are all critically needed. Higher education institutions in India are clearly visible from the growing usage of ICT, cloud computing, AI, robotics, and virtual reality in daily operations, which improves competencies and aids in skill alignment with industry-based knowledge. Teaching in a regular classroom is becoming obsolete. The way that education is delivered has changed dramatically since the advent of technology. It provides the freedom for students to access learning at any time or location they want. The lines that were once drawn by understudies and educators being available in a similar spot simultaneously have likewise become more foggy because of education turning out to be more computerized. In the past ten years, internet and remote learning have grown in popularity in India. With the majority of the country now having access to digital technology, online learning courses are becoming more and more popular. Besides, understudy evaluation through digitalization technology is currently a chance on the grounds that to the improvement of learning management systems (LMS). Outside of the classroom, students can socialize with their peers. The pupils' soft skills have also been guided by the peer-centered learning component. LMS would enhance student evaluation and the teaching process.

Disentangling the relationship between institutional influence, transformational leadership and performance in higher educational institutions in India: a three-way interaction model

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the relationship between institutional influence and performance, mediated through transformational leadership (TL) and moderated by barriers, situational factors, communication and implementation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured survey instrument, data were collected from 370 faculty members from 31 higher educational institutions in southern India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, the authors used Hayes’s PROCESS to test the direct hypotheses and three-way interactions.FindingsThe results revealed that TL mediated the relationship between institutional influence and performance. Further, the findings supported the three-way interactions between (1) institutional influence, barriers and communication positively affecting TL; and (2) TL, situational factors and implementation affecting the performance of faculty members.Research limitations/implicationsThis study underscores the importance of TL for the smooth functioning of higher educational institutions and achieving superior performance, especially in the new normal context after the global pandemic.Practical implicationsThis study makes several significant recommendations to administrators in higher educational institutions, in addition to contributing to the vast literature on TL. The study suggests that administrators must invest resources in developing TL skills so that employees reach their fullest potential and contribute to achieving organizational goals. In addition, leaders in organizations need to exercise a transformational style to combat the new normal post-pandemic academic environment.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights into the importance of TL style and institutional influence to enhance performance. To the best of our knowledge, the conceptual model developed and tested the first of its kind in India, significantly contributing to theory and practice.