Malaysian University Research Articles

Unleashing Lecturer Performance in Malaysian Higher Education through Green Organizational Culture: The Mediating Role of Work Motivation

This study examines the influence of green organizational culture on work motivation and its subsequent effect on lecturer performance within the context of sustainable development education in higher education institutions. Using a sample of 308 lecturers from Malaysian universities, data were collected through a Google Forms questionnaire and analyzed using Smart PLS. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between green organizational culture and work motivation, which in turn, significantly enhances lecturer performance. This study provides both theoretical and practical implications by contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable organizational practices and their role in fostering employee motivation and productivity. Future research should expand the scope to different geographical contexts and employ longitudinal studies to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamics over time. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into organizational culture to promote a motivated and high-performing academic workforce.

The Antecedents of Recycling Behaviour Among Online Consumers Concerning E-Commerce Packaging Waste

The increasing proliferation of e-commerce has resulted in a significant rise in packaging waste, which poses numerous environmental challenges that necessitate urgent attention. Understanding the factors driving consumers’ recycling behaviour is crucial to developing effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impact. The current study aims to examine the antecedents of recycling behaviour among Malaysian online consumers concerning e-commerce packaging waste by applying the Cognitive-Affective-Behavioural model. Empirical data were collected from 339 Malaysian university students. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was subsequently employed to test the proposed model. The SEM results confirmed that environmental knowledge directly and positively influenced recycling behaviour. Environmental concern and attitude served as serial mediators, which sequentially delineated the indirect relationship. The present study advanced the existing literature on recycling behaviour by implementing robust approaches to statistically examining the impacts and interrelationships of the key constructs influencing recycling behaviour among online consumers concerning e-commerce packaging waste.

The Role of Mentoring in Shaping Social Entrepreneurial Intentions in Southeast Asia

This study examines the impact of mentoring on social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) among Southeast Asian university students. It assesses the influence of empathy, moral obligation, self-efficacy, and social support using a modified Mair and Noboa model and data from 194 final-year students at two Malaysian universities analyzed via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results show that mentoring, self-efficacy, social support, and prior experience significantly enhance SEI, while empathy and moral obligation do not. The research advocates for incorporating structured mentoring in educational curricula and suggests further exploration of how prior experiences, empathy, and moral obligation affect SEI.

Indoor Air Quality in Laboratories and Its Relationship with Psychological Performance Among University Students in Malaysia

Introduction: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in work environments can reduce productivity and decrease overall performance. This study examines IAQ in university laboratories and its relationship with psychological performance among students in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023 in six laboratories at a Malaysian university, categorised into chemical and non-chemical. A total of 117 students aged 18 to 40 participated. IAQ was measured in real-time for 8 hours during weekdays using instruments for particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), airborne microorganisms, carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature in °C, relative humidity (RH), and air movement. Psychological performance was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE). Data analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis, One-Way ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests. Results and Discussion: Significant differences in IAQ parameters were observed for PM2.5 (p=0.007), PM10 (p=0.020), CO2 (p=0.024) and RH (p=0.043). Psychological distress affected 41.9% of students based on the predefined threshold. High CO levels (≥0.67 ppm) and elevated temperatures (≥23.28°C) were significantly associated with increased psychological distress (p=0.011). Students exposed to these conditions were 1.3 times more likely to experience distress (OR=1.3). Conclusion: Specific IAQ parameters, particularly CO and temperature, critically impact students’ psychological well-being. Improving IAQ by reducing CO levels and maintaining optimal temperatures may enhance mental health and performance. Improving IAQ by reducing CO levels and maintaining optimal temperatures may enhance mental health and performance. However, external factors such as personal stressors could not be entirely controlled.

Impact of Workplace Bullying on Psychological Distress: Role of Perceived Organisational Support and Religious Coping

Despite the fact that perceived organisational support (POS) and religious coping have been advocated as a crucial component of the stress model, the roles remain unclear among academics that often associate with heavy workloads. Therefore, this study aims to examine the moderating role of POS, and the mediating role of religious coping between the relationship of workplace bullying and psychological distress among academics in higher educational institutions (HEIs). Data were collected from academic staff from private and public universities in Malaysia, and a total of 219 data were used. The results revealed that workplace bullying has a positive impact on academics’ psychological distress, and the POS significantly moderated the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress. However, this study failed to support the mediating role of religious coping. This study adds to our knowledge of the stress model, by focusing more on perceived organisational support in minimising psychological distress and less on personal resources (religious coping).

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical and non-medical students at a private university in Malaysia

Background: Worldwide the COVID-19 pandemic affected people in various ways. Despite all the constraints students were in a unique position of being thrown into a lockdown situation where they had to learn from home and online. This had its own repercussions, and our aim was to study the effect of learning, as well as the mental and financial impact it had on the students at this private university. Methods: Using a pre-validated google questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study amongst the undergraduate students from the various faculties. We used a modified DASS-21, with 15 questions rated on a Likert’s scale to assess mental health. Academic assessment and the financial impact assessment had 8 questions each. Sample size was 177. Cronbach’s for overall internal consistency was 0.860. Results: We had 208 respondents, where 66.3% were female and 62% Chinese. The mean score for medical students (mean=38.3, SD=12.9) was slightly higher than non-medical students (mean=37.3, SD=11.6). Overall non-medical students faced more challenges than the medical students academically as seen in poor contact with lecturers (chi square 10.73, p=0.030), their home environment was not conducive for learning (chi square 4.38, p=0.036) and have significantly more distraction from family members (chi square 4.87, p=0.027). Financially, a significant number of non-medical students struggled to pay for food expenses (chi square 12.92, p≤0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between medical and non-medical students on mental health issues. Non-medical students were impacted more academically and financially.

Knowledge and attitudes on anemia and menstrual health among Malaysian female university students

Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among young female adults due to its potential impact on reproductive health. This study investigated the association between anemia-related knowledge, attitudes, menstrual health, and anemia status among Malaysian university students. This was a cross-sectional study named “SCARF” - Study to Combat Anemia - Research for Female Students, involving 674 university students in Malaysia. Anemia status was determined based on haemoglobin level, while knowledge, attitude and menstrual health were measured using validated questionnaires. The mean menarche age of students in this study was 12.1 ± 1.21 years. Students who were anemic had significantly longer menstrual cycle duration (P = 0.034) and more days with heavy flow (P = 0.038). Most students had poor knowledge (44.5%) and attitudes (84.1%) towards anemia. Students with good knowledge were 1.1 times more likely to have better anemia status compared to those with poor knowledge (95% CI: 1.0–1.2, P = 0.049). This study highlighted a lack of practical application of the knowledge to dietary habits. Collaborative efforts between educators and healthcare providers are crucial in developing a comprehensive strategy, such as interventions to prioritise educational initiatives and practical support to enhance overall menstrual health among female students.

Manual Madness: Challenges of Contract Renewal in Campus Vending Machine Business

The vending machine industry has evolved from conventional to connected machines. Vending machines are currently in wide use and typically involve a remote machine holding a plurality of products or items to be dispensed after receiving money from a purchaser. The industry has gone beyond just delivering snacks and is developing new and sophisticated retail solutions for both large and small companies. In this study, a qualitative inquiry was conducted in one of the branch universities of the largest public universities in Malaysia. A total of three vending machine entrepreneurs were qualitatively interviewed individually. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to find a common theme. As a result, three challenges were identified: using a lot of paper, being time-consuming, and having no alert process. Contract renewal is significant and should not be taken for granted and it is a far-sighted move for a business manager to use the most efficient process from start to end. The respondent agreed that the current renewal process is redundant and time-consuming. Therefore, the researchers proposed to all the parties to reduce the hassle of renewing the contract. Based on this research, the authority department in public or private universities can develop an innovation in monitoring systems to improve the process. The results can provide suitable coping strategies for business owners to have the best practices for a contract renewal mechanism.

Post-pandemic impact on a private University in Malaysia: adapting strategies for sustainable education in chemistry

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented disruption in global education systems, affecting a vast population of approximately 1.6 billion learners across over 200 countries. Specifically, within Malaysia, where private universities hold a significant role in shaping the educational sphere, the pandemic brought about notable shifts in higher education. This research focuses on the post-pandemic impact on a private university situated in the Malaysian capital, focusing on transformations in teaching and learning approaches, student engagement, and technological integration in chemistry education. Through an in-depth analysis of diverse data sources from students and literatire review, this study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the teaching and learning process in chemistry and the strategies employed to mitigate the adverse effects. In addition, the study also discusses the potential long-term transformations in higher education that may persist beyond the pandemic and offers recommendations to ensure the resilience and adaptability of private universities in Malaysia. Understanding the post-pandemic impact on private universities is crucial for formulating effective policies and strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the evolving educational landscape.

Writing Effective Cover Letters: Do Undergraduates Have the Written Communication Skills to Achieve the Spirit of SDG4 Quality Education?

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of English language instructors’ intervention on the cover letter writing process for job applications among specific ESL learners enrolled in a workplace communication course at a public university in Malaysia. This study adopts an action research technique, incorporating content analysis conducted before and after the intervention. The goal of this action research is to identify inaccuracies or issues in the format and content of cover letters written by the selected learners and implement instructor intervention to resolve the identified problems or errors. Generally, the results of this study revealed that the effectiveness of the learners’ cover letters improved after receiving extra input and feedback from their language instructors. A lack of learner-readiness and job knowledge resulted in some learners experiencing difficulty in writing coherent cover letters. More importantly, the learners indicated that their writing experiences raised greater awareness of the many aspects of cover letters and enhanced their confidence in writing cover letters. Overall, this study contributes the initiative to enhance learners' understanding of the ever-changing employment market and develop not only their ability to write cover letters but also their self-confidence and proficiency in the English language. Most significantly, the written communication skills will provide them with lifelong learning opportunities that are taught in higher education as stipulated in the fourth goal (SDG4) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes quality education. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the learners' proficiency in writing cover letters by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the writing methods employed in cover letters and determine their appropriateness. Theoretical Framework: Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT) serves as the primary conceptual framework to define the sequence of activities in the research procedure. David Kolb's (1984) cycle of experiential learning stages perceives learning as a dynamic interaction between learners and their environment (Kolb, 2014). The Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) underscores a cyclical learning process that includes experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and experimenting (Kolb & Kolb, 2005). Method: This study adopts the action research methodology and employed a six-phase method, which comprises the first phase, the diagnostic test, the second phase, the evaluation of cover letters, the third phase, the pre-writing strategies, the fourth phase, the writing phase, the fifth phase, the instructor feedback phase, and the sixth phase is the re-writing phase. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the necessity for graduating learners to possess enhanced skills and knowledge prior to entering the challenging work market. There is currently a strong demand for graduates to develop more modern and thorough tactics to successfully secure employment. The results of this study confirm the need for innovative methods in language acquisition, specifically grammar mastery. Research Implications: Learners need a helping hand with their language and should be guided closely beginning with the rudiments of writing and other integrated language skills that would help bolster their confidence in writing cover letters and improve their communication skills. They need to learn to be independent and proactive in the job-search process. As instructors empower learners with lifelong skills of writing cover letters, the learners themselves should constantly keep abreast of the changes in the dynamic job market. Originality/Value: This study helps learners comprehend the shifting job market, prepare cover letters, and improve their English and self-confidence. Most importantly, it will offer lifelong learning, as stated in the UN's fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4).

Post-pandemic impact on a private university in Malaysia: adapting strategies for sustainable education in chemistry

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented disruption in global education systems, affecting a vast population of approximately 1.6 billion learners across over 200 countries. Specifically, within Malaysia, where private universities hold a significant role in shaping the educational sphere, the pandemic brought about notable shifts in higher education. This research focuses on the post-pandemic impact on a private university situated in the Malaysian capital, focusing on transformations in teaching and learning approaches, student engagement, and technological integration in chemistry education. Through an in-depth analysis of diverse data sources from students and literatire review, this study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the teaching and learning process in chemistry and the strategies employed to mitigate the adverse effects. In addition, the study also discusses the potential long-term transformations in higher education that may persist beyond the pandemic and offers recommendations to ensure the resilience and adaptability of private universities in Malaysia. Understanding the post-pandemic impact on private universities is crucial for formulating effective policies and strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the evolving educational landscape.

Exploring the University Social Responsibility Initiatives and Sustainable Development in Malaysia: A Carroll Model Approach

Universities, as catalysts for social change, have significant influence over the societal, cultural, economic, and intellectual domains. They play a vital role in shaping the future and fostering beneficial social transformation. Aiming to explore the implementation and role of University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives in achieving sustainable development in Malaysia, this research adopted Carroll’s Model as a framework. A qualitative content analysis through a directed approach was performed on the official website of the Top 15 Malaysian Universities in Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking 2023. THE Impact Ranking 2023 is a worldwide ranking that evaluates universities’ commitment to sustainability in four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. The research revealed the upsurge in USR initiatives in Malaysia by public and private universities within the framework of economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities. Equally important, the research discovered that Malaysian universities demonstrate high institutional and policy support to attain sustainable development in Malaysia. Most of the USR programs led by public and private universities are aligned with addressing specific global challenges outlined in the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As a theoretical contribution, the research adds to the literature on the Carroll Model Approach in the context of Malaysian universities. As a practical contribution, the research guides universities, policymakers, and stakeholders on the strategies that foster sustainability practices through USR initiatives.

Academic Capacity Building of Lecturers through International Collaboration:

This international community service program aims to enhance the academic capacity of lecturers through collaboration with universities in Malaysia. The program is designed to address the issue of lecturer quality by leveraging the exchange of knowledge and innovative teaching methods. The implementation method includes establishing a baseline, analyzing needs, conducting workshops, evaluating results, developing sustainable solutions, and the role of contributions from related parties. This article highlights the importance of international collaboration in higher education and its contribution to the development of lecturer capacity and the improvement of educational quality. Through this program, an increase in lecturer competence is expected, which in turn can strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia in the higher education sector learning.

Self-Compassion as Mediator between Self-Critical Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms among Malaysian University Students

Self-Compassion as Mediator between Self-Critical Perfectionism and Depressive Symptoms among Malaysian University Students

Exploring the Relationship between HRM Practices and Organizational Performance: Insights from the Sports Centre Staff at the National University of Malaysia (UKM)

Exploring the Relationship between HRM Practices and Organizational Performance: Insights from the Sports Centre Staff at the National University of Malaysia (UKM)

How Individual Factors Shape Innovative Work Behavior in Malaysian HEIs: The Role of Innovation Capability, Knowledge Sharing and Psychological Empowerment

This study investigates the factors driving academics' innovative work behavior (IWB) in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), focusing on individual innovation capability, psychological empowerment, and knowledge sharing. The respondents comprised 382 academics from 24 Malaysian universities listed in the QS World Ranking 2023, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via a Google Form questionnaire distributed by email. The descriptive analysis assessed individual innovation capabilities, psychological empowerment, and knowledge-sharing levels, and their impact on IWB. The findings indicate high engagement in innovative activities, with academics demonstrating strong innovative capabilities, a sense of empowerment, and active knowledge-sharing practices. These individual factors significantly contribute to fostering IWB, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, supportive institutional environments, and collaborative cultures in promoting innovation within HEIs. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators to enhance the innovative potential of academics, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of educational practices in Malaysian HEIs. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and potential moderating factors to further understand innovative work behavior dynamics in academic settings.

DEA-Based Malmquist Productivity Approach for Assessing Total Factor Productivity Change in Malaysian Public Universities

This study uses the non-parametric frontier method to examine the productivity growth of Malaysian public universities from 2017 to 2021. It examines changes in productivity at university groups and individual institutions, using three inputs (academic staff, undergraduate student enrolment, and postgraduate student enrolment) and three outputs (undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications awarded and publications). This study analyses productivity changes and breaks them down into technical efficiency and technological change using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist productivity index (MPI). The analysis reveals that public universities in Malaysia have seen an average annual increase in MPI of 0.5% over the period of the study. However, when the components of this productivity change are examined, it becomes evident that Malaysian public universities have had an annual average 1.3% increase in technology along with a 0.8% decline in technical efficiency. Further evaluation of the indexes reveals disparities between Malaysian university groups. Technical, comprehensive, and research universities make up the group that performs the best to the worst. Although Malaysian public universities’ productivity is increasing, it is mostly due to technology, which comes at the expense of decreased technical efficiency.

E-Waste Management Practices Through the Eyes of Responsible Departments at Malaysian Public Universities

Electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has been identified as the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In Malaysia, forecasts indicate that it will soon reach 24.5 million units of e-waste by the year 2025. Today, higher learning institutions also contribute to the rapidly growing threat of e-waste. Besides mobile phones, the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment at universities keeps increasing and contributes to the increased quantity of e-waste, while the handling and disposal methods of e-waste still need to be improved. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current e-waste management system as well as to investigate the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at public universities in Malaysia. By using a qualitative approach, a number of interview sessions have been conducted with the responsible departments at six established public universities in Malaysia. It has been found that currently only e-waste generated from used electric and electronic equipment (EEE) which have been declared as university assets are being managed by the responsible departments at the six universities. All six universities are using the standard process of handling their e-waste since every single process needs to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This remains the main constraint to flexibility or improvement of the current system. The universities are also facing some challenges, among others, lack of awareness and knowledge on how to properly handle e-waste among university citizens, no clear sustainable policy at the university, lack of facilities within the university compound to support the proper practice of e-waste disposal as well as lack of education and related training provided to the campus citizens. This paper also provides some recommendations for the improvement of e-waste management towards sustainability and offers an agenda for future research.

The Practice ofHeutagogy, Peeragogy andCybergogy Approach among Vocational College Instructors

This study investigates the implementation levels of Heutagogy, Peeragogy, and Cybergogy approaches among instructors at vocational colleges in Malaysia. Employing a quantitative survey research design, data were collected from a sample of 241instructors across 15 vocational colleges, representing various Technology fields such as Automotive, Electrical, Electronic, Construction, Welding, Industrial Machining, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, and Computer Systems & Network Technology. The sample was selected using a cluster stratified convenientsampling method.Demographic information, including gender, age, race, institutional zone, vocational college, program, experience, qualification, certificate, and class, was gathered. A structured questionnaire comprising 53 items served as the primary data collection instrument. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software to derive frequency values, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to identify differences in the implementation of Heutagogy, Peeragogy, and Cybergogy approaches among the instructors.The findings indicate a high level of implementation for Heutagogy and Peeragogy approaches, while the Cybergogy approach is practiced at a moderate level. Significant differences were observed in the implementation of these approaches based on the instructors’ fields and teaching experience. To enhance the practice of Cybergogy, it is recommended that vocational college administrations provide training workshops or courses to improve the teachingskills of their academic stafffor 21stcentury learning environment.

Unlocking the influence of psychosocial safety climate on work engagement and job satisfaction: exploring the mediating role of job demands

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on work engagement, job satisfaction and the mediating role of job demands among young academics in Malaysian research universities.Design/methodology/approachThe study participants consisted of 177 full-time lecturers employed by Malaysian research universities for at least one year. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique.FindingsThe findings reveal the significance of PSC in fostering work engagement and job satisfaction by mitigating the impact of job demands. However, the finding indicates that the relationship between job demands and work engagement was not statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe necessity for a thorough three-wave research to precisely analyze the model’s longitudinal impacts was discovered in all correlation and cross-sectional studies.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that the university should focus on job design and PSC support to enable university management to investigate further avenues for minimizing the impact of job demands to support academicians in RUs and enhance their job satisfaction. The results also indicated that young academicians’ work engagement might be improved by appropriate job demands.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine these relationships among young academic staff in Malaysian universities. This paper offers recommendations to university policymakers on enhancing PSC, work engagement and job satisfaction among young academicians. It highlights the mediating role of job demands in Malaysian research universities.