Brain Drain Phenomenon Research Articles

Brain-Drain in Health Sector: Towards Sustainable Healthcare Development in Nigeria: A Study of Selected State Hospitals in Ogun State.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of brain drain in the health sector on sustainable healthcare development in Ogun State, Nigeria, focusing specifically on selected state hospitals. The research was conducted across several state hospitals with the entire medical staff forming the target population. Utilizing a random sampling strategy, data were collected from a sample of 278 healthcare professionals, determined through Taro Yamane sampling techniques from a population of 912. Data collection was facilitated through a systematically designed containing 26-item questionnaire employing a four-point Likert scale. The reliability instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach alpha statistic, while its validity was assessed using component factor analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and inferential statistics were derived using simple linear regression analysis. The findings reveal a significant brain drain phenomenon, driven by factors such as inadequate remuneration, subpar working conditions, and limited professional growth opportunities. This has resulted in a critical shortage of healthcare providers, negatively impacting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Ogun state. The regression analysis further illustrates a strong correlation between brain drain and the deterioration of healthcare service delivery, which in turn hampers the region's progress towards sustainable healthcare development. The study recommends that the level of poverty must be reduce in the country; high pay incentives must be adequately provided by the government; initiatives that support youth in realizing their full potential must be developed; and a sound macroeconomic plan must be Implemented.

The Importance of Higher Education Quality for Mobility Intentions. Evidence from a Western Balkan Country

ABSTRACT The Western Balkan region confronts a pronounced brain drain phenomenon, as its highly educated youth seek enhanced opportunities abroad. Grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory, this paper explores the decision-making process of Macedonian youngsters and scrutinizes how personal, social, and educational factors shape their mobility intentions. The findings driven from a survey encompassing 1150 university students, obtained through descriptive analysis using Python 3.7 and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling via a high-level SEM tool for R, reveal valuable insights that describe the complex interplay of students’ expectations, subjective norms, higher education quality, and professors’ availability, crucial elements in mitigating brain drain trends. The implications delineate explicit obstacles to developing higher education quality, accentuating the importance of tailoring university services to students’ needs in terms of a better understanding of the higher education system’s potential. The conclusions identify indicators that can assist in describing the youngsters’ mobility intentions, contribute to monitoring the brain drain process through higher education attributes, and highlight strategies for facilitating the system’s competitiveness.

Addressing brain drain through employee development: the interplay of organizational commitment, turnover intention, and individual differences in Lebanon’s health-care sector

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of employee development programs on organizational commitment and its subsequent impact on employee turnover intention by considering individual differences for non-medical staff in a health-care institution in Lebanon. This study is relevant in understanding and addressing the brain drain phenomenon in the Lebanese health-care sector. Design/methodology/approach Correlational analysis and hierarchical regression were conducted to examine the relationships among employee development, organizational commitment and turnover intention. The study also made use of Process by Hayes to examine the existence of a moderated mediated relationship, which is the central point of this research. Findings Results indicate that when holding constant frequency of training, individuals high in commitment report a lesser intention to leave compared to those low in commitment. As a first-stage moderated mediation model is understood, this finding shows that the indirect effect of frequency of training on turnover intention through organizational commitment is moderated by individual differences. Originality/value The findings of this study, based on the human capital theory and social exchange theory, enhance our understanding of how employee development influences organizational commitment, predominantly in the context of Lebanon’s health-care sector grappling with brain drain. Additionally, by integrating both the self-determination theory and the expectancy theory, the study provides a new stance on how intrinsic motivational factors contribute to a better understanding of this complex relationship, especially considering the brain drain dilemma. This study addressed the gap in research studies that failed to explore the extent of the relationship between employee development and turnover intention by highlighting the importance of looking at the relationship as a moderated mediated type of relationship. The findings highlight the importance of organizations implementing the right development programs, as they yield higher levels of organizational commitment and subsequently decrease the intention to leave. This study is important for health-care organizations in Lebanon, suggesting a strategic approach to retain skilled professionals amidst ongoing migration challenges.

News coverage of the Iraqi brain drain issue: an analytical study of the news bulletins of Al Iraqiya TV channel during the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022

The public today navigates a vast landscape of hundreds of satellite channels offering diverse intellectual discourse. Amidst this multitude, Al-Iraqiya Satellite Channel, the official Iraqi state broadcaster, consistently claims the top spot in viewership and engagement according to local opinion polls. The channel grapples with various issues relevant to the Iraqi public, and prominent among them is the critical phenomenon of Iraqi talent migration. It is this issue's prominence in Al-Iraqiya's news programming that drew the researcher's attention, leading to a detailed analysis of broadcast content focused on brain drain during the year 2022. This research seeks to answer the following question: How did news bulletins on Al-Iraqiya Satellite Channel address the issue of Iraqi talent migration? Employing a descriptive research approach, the researcher utilized a survey method and defined the research population as all news bulletins aired by the channel in 2022. To ensure comprehensiveness, a complete inventory sample of all bulletins addressing the brain drain phenomenon within the specified timeframe was adopted . This analysis yielded several key findings: News coverage of Iraqi talent migration occupied a substantial portion of total news bulletin airtime, amounting to 70 minutes out of a total 540 minutes. The majority of the televised content addressing brain drain took the form of news segments, followed by reports, interviews, analyses, and commentaries, respectively.

Exploring corruption in higher education: A case study of brain drain in North Macedonia

This 2023 study examines how corruption in higher education (HE) informs the brain drain phenomenon in North Macedonia. Through data collected from college-educated students who emigrated from the country, the research uncovers the reasons behind their emigration decision and highlights the high-level nature of corruption within HE. Findings reveal that corruption, along with limited career opportunities and distrust at the systemic level, motivates individuals to seek a better life abroad. The normalization of corruption and a lack of motivation to effect change further contribute to the emigration of highly skilled individuals. The study recommends measures such as establishing integrity units within universities and addressing political party involvement to combat these issues.

An Exploratory Study on the Brain Drain Within the Higher Education: A Case of Private Universities in Sichuan Province, China

This paper presents an exploratory study on the phenomenon of brain drain within the higher education sector, focusing specifically on private universities situated in Sichuan Province, China. Brain drain, the emigration of highly skilled individuals from one region or country to another, has been a growing concern globally, impacting various sectors including academia. Private universities in China, despite their significant contributions to the higher education landscape, face unique challenges related to talent retention and attraction, which have implications for regional development and competitiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study aims to investigate the factors contributing to brain drain among faculty and researchers within private universities in Sichuan Province. Through surveys and interviews conducted with faculty members, administrators, and key stakeholders, the study examines the push and pull factors influencing their decisions to migrate or remain within the institution and region. Additionally, the study explores the impact of government policies, institutional strategies, and socio-economic factors on brain drain dynamics. Preliminary findings suggest that factors such as inadequate research funding, limited career advancement opportunities, disparities in compensation, and perceived lack of academic freedom contribute to the brain drain phenomenon within private universities in Sichuan Province. Furthermore, the study identifies strategies and interventions that may mitigate brain drain and enhance talent retention, including targeted investment in research infrastructure, competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and supportive institutional policies. By shedding light on the challenges and dynamics of brain drain within private higher education institutions in Sichuan Province, this study contributes to the existing literature on talent mobility and regional development. The findings may inform policymakers, university administrators, and stakeholders in devising effective strategies to address brain drain, foster talent retention, and promote sustainable development in the higher education sector. Further research is recommended to validate and extend the findings of this exploratory study.

The Dynamics of Fund Absorption: Evaluating the Efficacy of EU Structural Funds in Mitigating Regional Inequalities—Calabrian Case

The European Union aims for territorial cohesion, with human capital as a key factor. Assessing how investment in regional human capital enhances this cohesion is therefore essential. This study assesses the impact of the EU Structural Funds (ESFs) in Calabria (Italy), a region grappling with economic challenges and a brain drain phenomenon. Aimed at fostering regional cohesion, ESFs have been directed towards supporting Calabrian graduates’ pursuit of master’s degrees, intending to incentivize their retention or return postgraduation. A comprehensive survey of the beneficiaries of these subsidies was carried out to determine their employability in the region and the probability of the return of migrants, analyzed by logistic regression of the data. Results demonstrate a dual effect: while the quality of education and EU funding positively influence graduates to work in Calabria, acquiring advanced skills paradoxically diminishes this propensity. Moreover, although the likelihood of returning to Calabria for those working elsewhere does increase, ESF support counterintuitively reduces this probability. The findings reveal a vicious cycle; they equip graduates with high-level skills that facilitate their access to the labor market but simultaneously encourage their migration due to more favorable conditions elsewhere. It is suggested that synergies between ESF-funded policies and those supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) should be encouraged.

How to Build a Returnee Entrepreneurship Technology Capacity in Developing Countries Using A Learning Economy Approach? Replicating the Chinese Experience in Malaysia

Purpose: In the current globalised economy, the brain-drain phenomenon is increasingly perceived as brain circulation. Returnee Entrepreneurs (REs) are vital players in this shift. REs are defined as people who return to their country of origin and start new businesses after settling overseas for some time as workers, students, or trainees. While REs have proven effective in assuming key roles in technology transfer and sustainable in some developing economies in the last two decades or so. This has been widely seen in China and some other Eastern countries, but is yet to find its way to other countries, particularly those enjoying global diaspora. In Malaysia -focused in this study-, despite the institutional efforts meant to attract both national and foreign talents, little research, if any, has dealt with issues related to returnee entrepreneurs in general and those in the technology sectors in specific.
 
 Theoretical framework: The study builds on the learning economy theory and proposes a relevant approach that is likely to boost the development of technology returnee entrepreneurship in the country.
 
 Method: Using a narrative review, the paper presents the Chinese model of developing returnee entrepreneurship and shows how its well-adjusted replication could benefit Malaysia
 as well as other developing countries to initiate, implement, and monitor an impactful returnee entrepreneurship in the technology sector.
 
 Result and conclusion: Malaysia’s strategies designed to attract technology returnee entrepreneurs must consider three principal components: infrastructure, training, and support, with primary emphasis on the establishment of advanced science and technology parks with university-industry linkages, university-overseas-student ties, conducive institutional framework, financial support, and updated understanding of return motives and conditions.

Addressing Brain Drain: Retaining Skilled Professionals in Nepal in Manufacturing Sector from the Perspective of Human Resource Management

Retaining skilled professionals in Nepal's manufacturing sector is crucial for organizational success and sustainable economic development. However, the phenomenon of brain drain poses significant challenges in this regard. This article, from the perspective of human resource management (HRM), explores the factors contributing to brain drain in Nepal and offers insights on addressing this issue. From an HRM perspective, this article examines the reasons behind employee dissatisfaction and the challenges faced by manufacturers in retaining skilled professionals. To improve employee retention, this article highlights key areas for consideration. It emphasizes the importance of workplace happiness, factors such as the weight of job responsibilities and safe working conditions, and the critical role of competitive salaries in satisfying employee needs. Furthermore, it introduces six elements - inclusion, appreciation, support, trust, purpose, and achievement - that, when incorporated into organizations, can contribute to positive workplace well-being and employee satisfaction. In conclusion, this article calls for collective efforts in fostering an environment of trust, communication, and inclusivity within manufacturing organizations. Recognizing and appreciating employee contributions, providing clear responsibilities and focusing on employee satisfaction are vital for retaining skilled professionals and addressing the challenges posed by brain drain in Nepal's manufacturing sector.

Strengthening Brain Research in Africa.

This paper explores the emerging field of neuroscience in Africa, considering the unique genetic diversity, socio-cultural determinants, and health inequalities in the continent. It presents numerous brain research initiatives, such as ABDRN, AMARI, APCDR, and H3Africa, aimed at understanding genetic and environmental factors influencing brain disorders in Africa. Despite numerous challenges like the brain drain phenomenon, inadequate infrastructure, and scarce research expertise, significant progress has been achieved. The paper proposes solutions, including international collaboration, capacity-building efforts, and policies to promote neuroscience research, to enhance the understanding of brain function and address brain-related health issues within the African context.

Mutual Enrichment or Brain Drain? The Analysis of International Student Mobility in the Cases of Russia and Germany

Purpose. The study addresses the phenomenon of brain drain developing via international student mobility.Methods. In order to address the research question “What impact has international student mobility between Russia and Germany had on the formation of the brain drain in Russia?” a qualitative methodology was applied with the comparative historical method (philosophical comparativism) and the case study. In terms of data collection techniques, document and Internet-based research was primary used.Results. First and foremost, the research revealed that international student mobility between Russia and Germany is imbalanced: the number of Russian students studying in Germany from 2013 to 2020 was almost 30 times higher than the number of German students coming to Russia. Furthermore, 47% of the Russian students who were permitted to study in Germany from 2006 to 2011 were still there 10 years later on various reasons, including naturalisation.Conclusions. Firstly, international student mobility between Russia and Germany does not contribute to the mutual enrichment of each other (brain circulation), but it rather plays a significant role in the brain drain formation of the former and the brain gain of the latter. Secondly, the difference in the level of socio-economic development and features of the political systems in Russia and Germany may explain the high demand for German higher education among Russian students and, at the same time, futility and unattractiveness of Russian higher education for German students. As an outcome, the author proposes recommendations for strengthening Russia’s technological sovereignty, multiplying and preserving its intellectual capital.

Brain Drain: Greece’s Open Wound

The phenomenon of brain drain, which refers to the emigration of highly skilled individuals from their home country, has been a long-standing challenge for Greece. After the global financial crisis of 2007 – 2009 struck the country, scholars have observed the escalation of brain drain, the loss of valuable human capital in terms of social and economic growth and development. The current phenomenon is linked throughout the relevant literature with other eras of the Greek past. Of course, beyond the historicity of the phenomenon, there are new factors that affect the current status. This policy brief attempts to work with the existing knowledge on the subject and recommend some policy directions.

Brain Drain, A Modern Issue for the EU

The brain-drain phenomenon refers to the global moving of skilled alumni in order to ensure better work opportunities and higher salaries (Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, 2023). Its main effect is the loss of human capital in the mother countries, in which gaps in the workforce are being created, leaving the spots for people with lower qualifications. The lost income will cause a tax increase leading to the payment inability and to an overall worsening of the economy. The last result is what makes the phenomenon so important. The economy and the education are the foundations of a country and with the worsening of the first in the fields of home industries, the public services are facing a failure, the state providing less to its people (Young, 2021).

International Migration (Japa Syndrome) and Institutional Development of Nigeria: Perception of Stakeholders in Southeast part of the Country

Although migration has been an age-long phenomenon, the current manifestation of international migratory trend which has been nicknamed ‘Japa’, a localized Yoruba word literally means escape to look for survival. Thus, Japa has become most prevalent in Nigeria and has continued to intensify due to increasing poverty, low standard of living, poor remuneration of the workforce. As a result, strikes are frequent, corruption is pervasive and insecurity among others have assumed a worrying dimension. Consequently, there is mass exodus of skilled Nigerians. Yet, the effects of this phenomenon on institutional development of Nigeria have remained largely unexplored with regard to empirical research. This study, therefore, examined international migration and institutional development of Nigeria, with a view to contributing to the discourse on Nigeria’s development context. The neoclassical economic theory of international migration was employed as the theoretical framework. Descriptive-cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 252 respondents selected through voluntary participation in a web-based survey. The findings revealed that the negative effect of international migration is mostly reflected in the brain-drain phenomenon, which continued to affect the growth and viability of local institutions. It was also found that international migration has some positive effects which contribute in the development of socio-economic institutions in the Southeast Nigeria, particularly through diaspora remittances, knowledge and skills transfer, among others. The study, therefore, recommended the need for institutional restructuring, as well as political reforms that would address deficiencies in institutional structures in Nigeria.

Anatomy of Brain Drain: A Painful Reality

Brain drain, the migration of skilled and educated labour, is a painful reality for developing countries like Nepal. The causes of brain drain can be attributed to various pull and push factors, including limited job opportunities, better standards of living, higher salaries, access to advanced technology, and more stable political conditions in developed countries. The development of the industrial sector in a country is hindered by a shortage of qualified and skilled workers, which slows down overall development. The editorial perspective provides a comprehensive overview of the brain drain phenomenon, including its causes, effects, and possible solutions. The editorial perspective highlighted the need for appropriate policy responses to address the issue and convert brain drain into wisdom gain. The role of management in managing brain drain is crucial for the country's sustainable economic development and growth. Management can contribute to addressing the issue by developing and implementing policies to attract and retain skilled professionals, investing in research and development, implementing returnee programs, addressing societal factors, and collaborating with the government and other stakeholders. The painful reality of brain drain in Nepal demands urgent attention and action from policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders. By taking appropriate measures to address the root causes of brain drain, Nepal can harness the knowledge and expertise of its skilled professionals and achieve its sustainable economic development goals. Keywords: Brain drain into wisdom gain, Cause, Impact, Effect, Management

Brain drain in medically challenged context: A study of the push, pull, and stick factors among a population of medical practitioners in Nigeria

Background: Globally, brain drain (BD) phenomenon has been an issue for decades in healthcare industry. However, the magnitude of BD syndrome and its impact on medical workforce crisis in a medically challenged environment has been the subject of great interest in the recent years, with apparently glaring effects on the medical workforce. Aim: The study was aimed at describing the push, pull, and stick factors, benefits, and preventive measures for BD among medical practitioners in Abia State, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 185 medical practitioners in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. Data collection was done using pretested, self-administered, and structured questionnaire that elicited information on push, pull, and stick factors, benefits, and preventive measures for BD. The plan to leave Nigeria and preferred foreign countries were also studied. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 26 to 72 (36 standard deviation 8.4) years. There were 159 (85.9%) males. One hundred and twenty-seven, 127/185 (68.6%) study participants had plans to leave the country with the most preferred countries of destination being Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Australia. The most common push factors from Nigeria and pull factors from abroad were similar and included poor income, wages, and salaries in all the participants 185/185 (100%). The most predominant stick factor was family-centric reasons, 126/185 (68.1%). Family and national family remittances were the main benefits, 185/185 (100%) for each while the most common pull factor was higher income, wages, and salaries abroad, 185/185 (100%). The most predominant stick factor was family-centric reasons, 126/185 (68.1%). The greatest benefits were family, 185/185 (100%), and national, 185/185 (100%), financial remittances. The most recommended preventive measures were enhanced income in Nigeria, 185/185 (100%). Young adult age (P< 0.001), male (P< 001), and duration of practice <10 years (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the plan to leave the country. Conclusion: These findings demonstrates that about 70% of Nigerian medical practitioners plan to leave the country for abroad. The major underlying factors for brain drain include enhanced income in the destination country capacity for financial remittances to the family and nation.

The Synergy between John Dewey’s Educational Democracy and Levant’s Lebanon Educational Reforms

This study examines the impact of John Dewey’s democratic educational principles on the reforms of the Lebanese educational system using data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, with open-ended questions, as part of case studies designed for this purpose. The participants in this study are all academics, facilitators, intellectuals and scholars of a Lebanese decent (n=30), undertaking full-time and part-time academic posts, involving learning and teaching activities at universities and other higher educational institutions/providers in Lebanon and in the diaspora (United States of America and Australia). As part of the case studies, the individual, personal, and professional teaching and learning journeys of the educators are sketched in details in relation to John Dewey’s four (4) key democratic educational reformative principles. Moreover, the current research study finally concludes by providing a realistic response to the following question that currently lingers in every academic Lebanese mind and on every Lebanese, scholar’s lips, namely, given Lebanon’s current liberal and relatively democratic educational system, are the Lebanese intellectual reformers truly given the opportunity to create a positive and constructive future vision for Lebanon through its educational system. The current chapter further provides a realistic and clear-cut description of the hurdles facing the current Lebanese educational system, including the scholars, intellectuals, and academics, residing in both Lebanon and in the diaspora. The current study further provides an elaboration on how such hurdles to actual and realistic reforms in Lebanon are impacting on the country’s brain drain phenomenon, as witnessed during the unfortunate latest Lebanese crisis (1975-1991), and post-crisis (1992-present) periods, which, in itself, act as a vicious circle, heavily contributing to the continuously deteriorating state of the current public Lebanese educational system.

Organized Scientific Diaspora and Its Contributions to Science Diplomacy in Emerging Economies: The Case of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The current knowledge society has driven an unprecedented mobility of people, especially scientists, from emerging economies to developed countries. This mobility can allow the development of human talent and the access to first class infrastructure and resources, but it can also mean a loss for emerging economies due to the phenomenon of brain drain. To counteract this situation, some countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have developed models for the articulation of their scientific diaspora in projects and programs, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and capitalizing on human and technical resources to advance science, technology and innovation systems. Likewise, science diplomacy has become a tool for interlinking the work of various actors in order to advance the solution of national, transnational or global problems through scientific advice. Scientific diasporas are vital in new structures of cooperation, enabling them to innovate and solve problems jointly, advising their countries of origin and articulating policies and programs. This research seeks to analyze the interactions and initiatives identified between the organized scientific diaspora from Latin America and the Caribbean and their countries of origin in relation to science diplomacy processes, providing recommendations and proposals for public policy to improve the interaction between the diaspora and the governments of their countries of origin. Results show that diaspora organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean engage with governmental and non-state actors and are active science diplomacy stakeholders promoting the scientific developments of their country or their researchers, as well as enabling access to research resources creating alliances for scientific, institutional and academic collaborations. In the cases studied, these efforts are planned and executed by the diaspora without responding to any science diplomacy strategy of the country. Policies and programs are needed to effectively link the scientific diaspora organizations to the interests of the countries.

Brain Drain out of the Blue: Pollution-Induced Migration in Vietnam.

Air pollution is a major problem that severely affects the health of inhabitants in developing countries’ urban areas. To deal with the problem, they may consider migration to another place as an option, which can result in the loss of skillful and talented workforces. This situation is called the brain drain phenomenon. The current study employed the Bayesian mindsponge framework (BMF) on the responses of 475 urban inhabitants in Hanoi, Vietnam—one of the most polluted capital cities in the world—to examine the risk of losing talented workforces due to air pollution. Our results show that people with higher educational levels are more likely to have intentions to migrate both domestically and internationally due to air pollution. Regarding the domestic migration intention, younger people and males have a higher probability of migrating than their counterparts. Age and gender also moderate the association between educational level and international migration intention, but their reliability needs further justification. Based on these findings, we suggest that environmental stressors caused by air pollution can influence citizen displacement intention on a large scale through the personal psychological mechanism of cost-benefit judgment. Due to the risk of air pollution on human resources, building an eco-surplus culture is crucial for enhancing environmental and socio-economic resilience.

Reflections on the Emigration Aspirations of Young, Educated People in Small Balkan Countries: A Qualitative Analysis of Reasons to Leave or Stay in North Macedonia

For small, low-to-middle-income countries such as North Macedonia, the prospect of young, educated people leaving their place of residence (i.e. emigrating) can have significant negative societal-level effects. Understanding the complexity of the brain-drain phenomenon and its antecedents is critical to developing multi-level (i.e. global, societal and individual) strategic solutions. A qualitative analysis of several focus-group interviews was used to understand young, educated residents’ reasons either for emigrating or for remaining in North Macedonia. Two overarching themes served to organise the participant-identified drivers for emigration and those opposed to it. Three sub-themes emerged describing the factors for emigration: 1) a lack of professional opportunities, 2) institutional systems, and 3) cultural tightness. Likewise, three sub-themes emerged describing the factors for staying: 1) community, 2) culture and 3) social responsibility. Insights serve to contextualise some of the experiences of young, educated people in small, low-to-middle-income, countries which impact on their emigration decisions.