Jordanian Private Universities Research Articles

Outnumbered and outranked: a macrostructural snapshot of gendered inequalities in higher academia in Jordan

Purpose This article aims to illuminate the gendered organisational structure of higher education in Jordan by collecting and analysing a national-level snapshot of the current distribution of women and men in leadership positions and academic ranks across Jordanian universities to pinpoint inequalities in specific levels and fields. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in gendered organisational theory, this study presents a snapshot of the gender composition of 10 public and 14 private universities in Jordan. The snapshot, collected in September 2022 from these universities’ websites, examines counts of male and female administrative leaders as well as academic staff across all ranks for all faculties in both STEM and liberal arts fields. Findings The distribution of women and men in leadership positions in universities across Jordan is highly unequal, with men outnumbering women in the uppermost positions by nearly 10:1. This gap decreases as the rank of positions decreases, indicative of a highly gendered organisational structure, with only three to four fields approaching gender parity. Research limitations/implications This paper offers a comprehensive and detailed quantitative foundation for researchers to investigate the underlying social, cultural, legal, political and economic factors perpetuating gender inequality in academia in Jordan and in comparative studies. Practical implications This study is relevant for targeting policies for advancing sustainable development goals, specifically 5.5, which aim at women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making. Originality/value This study provides the most detailed and extensive macro-level analysis of the gender composition of universities in Jordan.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Strategic Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovation at Jordanian Private Universities

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Strategic Performance: The Mediating Role of Innovation at Jordanian Private Universities

Competitive Organizational Culture and its Relationship with the Knowledge Technology in the Jordanian Private Universities in the Jordanian North District from the Point of View of the Teaching Staff Members

This study aimed to know level of the competitive organizational culture and its relationship with knowledge technology in the Jordanian private universities in the Jordanian North District from the point of view of the teaching staff members. To achieve objective of the study, the descriptive, survey analytical method was used, and the questionnaire as the study’s instrument, distributed to a sample of (180) teaching staff members in the Jordanian private universities in the North District (Jerash University, Jadara University, Irbid Ahliyah University & Ajloon Natinal University). Results showed that level of competitive organizational culture in the private Jordanian Universities in the North District from the point of view of the teaching staff members was medium, also results showed that degree of using knowledge technology in the Jordanian Private Universities in the North District from the point of view of teaching staff members also came at medium level, and the presence of positive correlation with statistical significance between level of the competitive organizational culture and degree of using knowledge technology in Jordanian Private Universities in the North District from the point of view of the teaching staff members. In light of the study results, the study recommended a number of recommendations, the most prominent: conducting similar study investigating competitive organizational culture and its relationship with quality of the work environment.

COVID-19 era- digital eye strain and the use of digital devices in online learning: A cross-sectional study of nursing students

Digital Eye Strain (DES) is a newly recognized healthcare problem. Therefore, this study assessed the frequency, intensity, and prevalence of DES, the usage of digital devices for online learning among nursing students enrolled in nursing courses in a governmental and a private university during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared the usage of digital devices before and after the pandemic, assessed its predictors, and interventions nursing students used to prevent or accommodate DES. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out. Between November and December 2022, data were collected with a purposive sample of 142 nursing students enrolled in nursing courses at a governmental and a private university in Jordan, with a response rate of 88.75%. Our sample didn’t have DES, but when it occurred, it was intense. The most frequent and intense symptoms were reported. The median of the mean score DES indicated that the prevalence of DES was 55.23% (occurred occasionally), and the prevalence of (severe) intensity was 52.11%. The mean daily hours spent using digital devices before and after the pandemic were 3.51 ± 1.96 and 4.51 ± 2.53, respectively; the majority spent 3–4 h. Besides using electronic devices for online learning, our nursing students spent 3.31 ± 1.87 on other activities. Before the pandemic, nursing students commonly used mobile phones. This usage decreased during the pandemic as they moved to computer desktops, laptops, and tablets. Being senior students and using equipment to help protect the eyes predicted the DES. Students used different interventions to prevent or accommodate DES. Based on the international trend, we can conclude that the DES increased during the pandemic; nursing students have spent more hours on digital devices, and over 55.00% have DES. They have frequent serious symptoms from DES, which should be managed immediately. To decrease the prevalence of DES, redesigning our educational system should be prioritized, considering that online learning along with DES will remain even after this pandemic end.

Entrepreneurial leadership style towards sustainability through agile and lean base strategy in private universities

The problem and the aim of the study. Even though previous literature in academia has focused on sustainable business practices and the impact of entrepreneurial leadership style on the sustainability of organizations, there is still a gap in the literature regarding the effects of entrepreneurship leadership on the sustainability of employees and companies. This study sought to identify the degree of the impact of entrepreneurial leadership style towards sustainability through agilebased Strategy compared to lean Strategy in private universities. Research methods. The study’s research methodology employs structural equation modeling (SEM) combined with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess and validate the measurement model and to estimate indirect effects. This methodological approach aimed at achieving a high degree of confidence by focusing on academic and administrative staff across five private institutions in Jordan. The initial collection involved 400 cases, of which 385 passed data screening and were considered valid for the analysis. Data were gathered using online questionnaires in this descriptive correlational study. Results. Findings from this study on the impact of demographic factors on sustainability and leadership styles in a sample of 400 people (later reduced to 385 after outliers and missing data were removed) shed light on the significance of gender, education level, experience, and management level. A bachelor's degree was possessed by 90.4% of respondents, and the majority of those respondents were male 55.8%. There was also a considerable representation throughout different lengths of work. By examining comments on many characteristics, including Entrepreneurship Leadership Style, Lean and Agile Strategies, and sustainability factors, the Agile Strategy stood up as the top model, achieving an average score of 3.8104. The sustainability component with the highest mean score was Economic Sustainability, which also happened to be the highest rated. Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study was able to hone down on its findings and ultimately eliminate five items based on item loadings. This resulted in a marked improvement in the new model's fit indices. This improved model outperformed the original one in terms of goodness of fit, as evidenced by a Chi-square of 584.663, RMSEA of 0.048, and CFI of 0.933. Analyzing the relationships between the Entrepreneurial Leadership Style and the sustainability outcomes via the lens of the Agile Strategy was a key finding. The importance of the Agile Strategy in improving sustainability at private institutions in Jordan was further supported by the considerable total impact of the Entrepreneurship Leadership Style on sustainability, as measured by p < 0.05, which was mediated by the Agile Strategy. With important ramifications for educational organization methods, this thorough investigation highlights the usefulness of the Agile Strategy in moderating the leadership influence on sustainability. Conclusion. Research shows that private universities in Jordan are more likely to be sustainable when entrepreneurial leadership is in place, and that agile strategy has a stronger impact on this than lean strategy. This highlights the significance of adaptive leadership strategies for promoting long-term viability in higher education. Based on the results, it would be wise to investigate how various leadership approaches affect sustainability in different types of educational settings. This study paves the way for future research in the field of higher education and beyond to investigate the wider effects of entrepreneurial leadership and strategy on the long-term viability of organizations.

Exploring the moderating role of green human resources and green climate: The impact of corporate social responsibility on environmental performance

Universities seek out of its keenness to preserve the environment and to enhance its environmental performance, by paying attention to social responsibility, to enhance its reputation in society. The current study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance (EP) through the moderating role of green human resources (GHR) and green climate (GC). The study collected data from 270 employees in private universities in Jordan. PLS4 was applied to analyze data and test the hypotheses. The results showed that CSR has a positive impact on EP. Also, the results showed that GHR and GC moderate the relationship between CSR and EP. Future research recommendations and study limitations are also provided.

Emotional Regulation Difficulties Among Faculty Members: Investigating the Effect of Gender, Teaching Experience, Academic Certificate

The current study investigated the effect of gender, teaching experience, academic certificate, and specialization on emotional regulation difficulties. Participants were 172 faculty members at three private universities in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS) was applied. The study showed that female faculty members had more limited access to emotion regulation strategies than their male counterparts did. The results also showed that experienced faculty members were more likely to accept emotional responses, but have difficulties with goal-directed activity, impulse control, and lack of emotional awareness. The findings suggest that effective use of emotion regulation strategies is affected by gender, moderate teaching experience affects faculty members’ impulse control, emotional responses acceptance, and goal-directed activity, and doctorate holders from different specializations are more aware of their emotions.

Effect Of Job Burnout on Employees’ Satisfaction: A Comparison Study Between Public Universities and Private Universities in Jordan

This study investigates the impact of job burnout on work satisfaction in Jordanian universities. Try to find a solution to in this study; a descriptive analytic method was employed to compare academic offerings at public and private institutions. A sample of 300 administrative staff members from Jordanian institutions, both public and private, was given questionnaires as the main data collection tool. The study found that the administrative staff at the university department had higher-than-average levels of occupational burnout. Poor personal achievement, physical and emotional exhaustion, negative perceptions of romantic relationships, and low personal performance were shown to be the most persistent aspects of professional burnout. The prevalence of occupational burnout was found to be higher in public universities there are no observable differences between personnel at both private and public companies with respect to of incidences of job burnout. In comparison to private institutions, employee satisfaction was lower at public universities. This study showed that in public colleges, there is no relationship between work morality and employee pleasure. However, the only aspect that affects employee satisfaction at private institutions is her poor personal performance.

Satisfaction and self-confidence among nursing students with simulation learning during COVID-19

AimThis survey aimed to investigate nursing students’ satisfaction and self-confidence in simulation in education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with comparing these levels based on selected students’ characteristics.DesignA cross-sectional survey.MethodsThe survey was conducted at the faculty of nursing of a private university in Jordan. Students’ satisfaction and self-confidence levels in simulation learning were measured using the National League for Nursing (NLN) Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scales.ResultsA total of 138 undergraduate nursing students participated in the survey. Students’ satisfaction levels and self-confidence in simulation learning were lower (just above the scale’s midpoint) than scores reported in similar surveys. The lowest student ratings were reported as “the variety of learning activities that can be done using simulation” and “the self-confidence to develop the needed skills and knowledge to be used in real clinical settings”. The results also indicated that as students’ progress in the bachelor’s degree program, they develop higher levels of self-confidence in simulation-based learning.ConclusionsNursing students’ experience of simulation learning was observed to be negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. High-fidelity simulation, in particular, among other simulation modalities, can be more beneficial in similar situations. Education stakeholders are invited to invest in the resources of high-fidelity simulation to maximize its benefits and help in the recovery phase after the pandemic.

Investigation of weather conditions on the output power of various photovoltaic systems

The quantity of solar radiation received by photovoltaic panel surfaces and their efficiency are influenced by environmental factors, including dust buildup and weather changes. This study presents an experimental analysis to determine how dust and rain affected the output of photovoltaic power for five different types and orientations of solar module systems of 5 kW each. All systems are installed at Applied Science Private University in Jordan, and attached to sunny portal system to monitor the PV output power for each type in real time. After one–four weeks of exposure, the effects of dust buildup and weather conditions on the power output of the module systems were examined. The results showed that four weeks of dust buildup resulted in 16.7%, 28%, 16.6%, 26.7%, and 21% reduction in PV power production for Monocrystalline (c-Si)/South, Monocrystalline (c-Si) East/West, Polycrystalline (p-Si)/South, Polycrystalline (p-Si)/East/West, and Thin-film (a-Si, microcrystalline)/South system respectively. In addition, a 20% average decrease and fluctuation in PV output power under wet conditions is observed. Moreover, the results showed that the power sold to the grid would be lower than predicted by 21% after one month of dust accumulation, which should be included in energy management planning.

Assessment of pharmacy students’ awareness and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines in Jordan: A cross-sectional study at private universities

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global effort in developing vaccines to combat the virus. While several COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized and distributed internationally, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacy students regarding these vaccines in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy students at a private university in Jordan from July 28 to August 5, 2022. A Google survey consisting of 12 questions was administered to 200 respondents. Results: The survey aimed to assess pharmacy students’ understanding of COVID-19 clinical characteristics, transmission routes, precautionary measures, hazard control, and knowledge of the different types of COVID-19 vaccines available in Jordan. Literature review indicated that students primarily obtained information from social media (80%), written articles (20%), and television (10%). The overall score for students’ awareness of COVID-19 and its vaccines was 85%. The majority of students (82%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge and awareness of the pandemic. However, their understanding of hypercoagulation as an adverse event of COVID-19 vaccination and mask-wearing practices in various settings was limited. Most students believed that effective immunization strategies could eradicate the virus. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that pharmacy students possess a good understanding of COVID-19 and its vaccines. To enhance infection prevention among future pharmacists, measures and public awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote knowledge about the benefits of immunization in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

الريادة اإلدارية في الجامعـات األردنيـة الخاصـة في محافظة عمـان وعالقتها بدافعيـة اإلنجـاز

The current study aimed to know the degree of administrative leadership in private Jordanian universities in Amman and its relationship to the achievement motivation of academic leaders. The study sample consisted of (145) leaders from the deans, deputy deans and heads of departments. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive correlative approach was adopted and two tools were developed to measure the two study variables; The first tool aimed to identify the degree of avalibilty of administrative leadership in private Jordanian universities and consisted of (32) items distributed over five areas (creativity, risk taking, uniqueness, initiative, and achievement), while the second tool measures the level of achievement motivation among academic leaders and consisted of (22) items. It is distributed over three areas: ambition and perseverance, the ability to take responsibility, self-confidence and self-esteem. The results of the study showed that the degree of administrative leadership in private Jordanian universities in Amman is high. The fields came in descending order as follows (achievement, uniqueness, initiative, risk taking and creativity) whereas all areas have achieved a high level. Furthermore, the outcomes showed that the level of motivation for achievement among academic leaders was high, and the fields came in descending order as follows (taking responsibility, ambition and perseverance, self-confidence and self-esteem). The outcomes also showed a positive correlation that was statistically signifcant towards the availability of administrative leadership among the averages of the study members in private Jordanian universities Amman, in addition to their estimates of the level of achievement motivation. Moreover, several conclusions were reached through the study.

Impact of big five personality traits on the talent- project managements in the Jordanian Northern Private Universities

Purpose – In this paper aimed to figure out the impact of the big five personality traits on the talent management in the Jordanian Private Universities – the northern region. The study used the descriptive, analytical approach due to its suitability to the current study. The sampling unit consisted of the administrative staff in these universities (n. 870) with a sample of 265 members. To collect data, a questionnaire was prepared based on the literature and previous studies examining the study variables, whose validity and reliability were checked. The study concluded that the big five personality traits represented in(extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) are high among the employees in the Jordanian private universities and that the talent management represented in the (talent acquisition, talent development, and talent retention) are also high in the Jordanian private universities. The study results also showed a statistically significant impact at ( α≥ (0.05 for the big five personality traits with the dimensions of (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) on the dimensions of the talent management (talent acquisition, talent development, and talent retention) in the Jordanian private universities – Northern region .The study recommends the need to ascertain the importance of taking the personality traits in the administrative job into consideration due to their major role in talent management and focus on the importance of the talent management aspects in the Jordanian private universities.

An innovative approach to enhance students’ clinical judgment and clinical reasoning abilities

Objective: This study used Fowler’s Model for developing nursing judgment to document an innovative approach to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and judgment by examining the impact of incorporating concept-based learning and concept mapping in a structured classroom alongside clinical activities.Methods: The study employed a pretest-posttest design to collect data from a cohort of 40 junior students enrolled in adult care nursing courses at a private university in Jordan. Self-reporting and observing students’ clinical reasoning and judgment using a questionnaire and the Students’ Performance Aspects of Clinical Judgment Scale were employed.Results: Enhancement in students’ general cclinical reasoning behavior, independence in clinical reasoning and clinical judgment, and clinical judgment abilities were evident.Conclusions: This study provided a workable approach that will broaden academics’ understanding of the contextual factors that may impact students’ clinical reasoning and judgment abilities. It can also enhance deep learning and help desaturate the curriculum.

Examining the antecedents of employee retention among Jordanian private Universities: The moderating role of knowledge sharing

This study aims to examine the effect of employee engagement, job satisfaction, task complexity and talent management on employee retention in private universities based in Jordan. The study also examines the moderation effect of knowledge sharing on the relationship between employee engagement and employee retention. The data collected from 183 academics and analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) indicated that employee engagement, talent management and job satisfaction significantly impact employee retention. However, task complexity was found to have a non-significant relationship with employee retention. Further, it was found that knowledge sharing positively moderates the relationship between employee engagement and employee retention. This study is a signpost for future research regarding the antecedents of employee retention and provides useful insights to the policy makers of higher education institutions in Jordan. The study also highlights several avenues for future research.

The Level of Electronic Management Application in Private Jordanian Universities

This study aimed to reveal the level of application of electronic management in private Jordanian universities by surveying the views of a sample of faculty members from Al-Zaytoonah Jordanian University and the Applied Sciences University in Jordan. To achieve this aim, a sample of faculty members was selected, amounting to (130) faculty members for the academic year (2019/2020). A questionnaire consisting of (23) items was developed and its validity and reliability were verified. The study found that the reality of applying electronic management in private Jordanian universities was high. The results also indicated that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α £ 0.05) in all areas of the reality of applying electronic management in private Jordanian universities which can be attributed to the impact of gender and years of experience, while differences appeared due to academic rank.

The Structure of Management Information System and its Impact on the Management of the Corona Crisis in Jordanian Universities

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the impact of structuring management information systems in managing the Corona crisis in Jordanian universities. Theoretical Framework: This paper discusses the impact of structuring management information systems in Jordanian universities in managing the Corona crisis. In addition, how has the organizational and administrative structure of Jordanian universities impacted the management of the Corona crisis? and the role of technical structuring in Jordanian university crisis management? Design/methodology/approach: The population of this study include all public and private Jordanian universities, and the sample consisted of (384) respondents from the deans of academic faculties, heads of departments, and members of the teaching staff in these universities, this paper considered one of the field research in which the researcher followed the descriptive analytical method, The data were analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences program, and the hypotheses were tested using arithmetic means, standard deviation, and multiple and simple linear regression analysis. Findings: The results showed a statistically significant effect of the elements of the structuring of management information systems (organizational, administrative and technical structuring) in managing the Corona crisis in Jordanian universities, and it was found that the universities responded immediately to contain the Corona crisis by the way of distributing tasks in a short period when it occurs, and as periodic meetings were held to prepare to deal with the Corona crisis. Research, Practical & Social implications: The structuring of management information systems plays a major role in the growth and development of the global economy. Therefore, management information systems and its various tools have become the mainstay and technical base for advancement in the field of e-business, telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-government. Originality/value: This study sheds light on the degree to which Jordanian private universities (student community) keep up with contemporary administrative systems, concepts, and models, in particular with regard to the impact of structuring management information systems in managing the Corona crisis in Jordanian private universities, which are regarded as one of the interdisciplinary research centers in the world.

Nexus of Strategic Thinking, Knowledge-Oriented Leadership, and Employee Creativity in Higher Education Institutes

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine strategic thinking and knowledge-oriented leadership influence employees' creativity in the setting of Jordanian private universities. Theoretical framework: The study employed Path Goal Theory to clarify the interaction of the variables used in Higher Education Institutes to address the issue. Design/methodology/approach: The research used a “partial least squares-structural equation modeling” approach to examine the gathered data. For analysis purpose, was developed and empirically verified with data (n = 143) obtained from a random sample of private universities in Jordan. Findings: The result found that Strategic thinking promotes and increases employee creativity. However, knowledge-oriented leadership moderates the causal association between strategic thinking and employee creativity. Research implications: The results are presented taking into account the relevant research as well as the practical implications for higher education administrators. Originality/value: The novel theoretical contribution that was made by this study is its emphasis on knowledge-oriented leadership as a moderator in the link between strategic thinking and employee creativity.

Level of Awareness of Faculty Members on Using Open Educational Resources in Jordanian Universities

The current study aims to investigate the level of awareness of faculty members on using open educational resources in Jordanian Universities. To achieve the aim of the study, the descriptive approach is used. The study sample consists of (390) faculty members in Jordanian universities, i.e. the University of Jordan, the Middle East University, Yarmouk University, Jerash University, Mutah University, and Aqaba University of Technology. Due to the nature of the study, a questionnaire instrument is developed, and its validity and reliability are verified. In its final electronic form, the questionnaire consisting of (29) items is distributed over (5) domains. The results show that the level of awareness of faculty members on using open educational resources in Jordanian Universities is of a medium level, where the domain of the importance of the open educational resources is ranked first, while the domain of the use of the open educational resources is ranked last. The study also shows that there are no statistically significant differences at the level (α ≤ 0.05) in the level of awareness of faculty members on using open educational resources in Jordanian universities according to the gender variable. Besides, the study shows that there is a relationship between the number of years of experience and the awareness of faculty members on using open educational resources in Jordanian universities according to the variable of the years of the experience, as the more years of experience are, the greater the awareness of using the open educational resources in universities. The study recommends encouraging public institutions and governments and the private sector to participate in the production of open educational resources and establish an OER platform where the entire teaching members in public and private universities in Jordan can participate.

Change Resistance Management And The Transition To Distance Learning During COVID-19: Moderating Role Of Education Technology

Purpose: Current study aimed at examining the moderating role of education technology on the relationship between change resistance management (Efficient Managing, Participation, Communication, Organizational Culture, and Managerial Practices) and the transition to distance learning. Theoretical Framework: It's important to remember that resistance is a natural reaction caused by Fear of the unknown and uncertainty about the goals of change and, in some cases, a lack of sufficient information about reform, and that it shouldn't be viewed as a bad thing in and of itself. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative methodology was adopted, and a questionnaire was distributed on a convenience sample of (391) lecturers of different tanks within private universities in Jordan. SPSS was employed in order to screen, process and analyze gathered primary data. Findings: Results of study indicated that education technology moderated the relationship between change resistance management and the transition to distance learning that was attributed to managerial practices as the highest influential approach with B= .585 while organizational culture scored an influence but it was the lowest with B= 0.82. Research , Practical & Social implications: As for the main hypothesis of study, results indicated that education technology manifested the transition to distance learning through the approach which helped in managing the transition through educational technology, as it constituted a comprehensive reference guides for education and provided basic information and framework for distance education that included many channels such as television, digital technology, online platforms and mobile phone. Originality/ Value: The current study showed that most of the resistance during the transitional period of distance education due to the COVID 19 pandemic was due to a lack of knowledge, information, skills, and technological capabilities, as most of the resistance appeared after identifying the platforms they dealt with, the existing infrastructure, and weaknesses. How well university IT departments can handle the massive demand caused by this rapid and unanticipated transformation.