Private Universities In Pakistan Research Articles

Unveiling the role of emotional intelligence as a mediator between digital leadership and employee cynicism: a study in the private higher educational institutes

Purpose Leaders’ capacity to execute innovative and inspiring activities significantly impacts whether educational institutions succeed or fail. This paper aims to explore the gap in how digital leadership (DL) affects employee cynicism (EMPC) and emotional intelligence (EI). In addition, the moderating impact of EI on the association between DL and EMPC is examined in this study. Design/methodology/approach The researchers have used a quantitative approach based on cross-sectional data technique. This study examines the effects of DL at Pakistani private universities. All the teaching faculty of Pakistan’s private higher educational institutes like universities were the population of the study. While using random sampling, data were gathered from teaching faculty members of such universities. Hence, 366 usable cases were found usable for final data analysis. This study performed the path analysis through the Analysis of Moment Structures in structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Results confirmed that the positive impact of DL among teaching faculty in private universities in Pakistan depends on the EMPC and EI. Overall, the findings are according to the estimates. SEM evaluates that DL significantly correlates with EMPC and EI. On the contrary, EI also significantly impacts EMPC. Furthermore, findings describe that EI significantly mediates the relationship between DL and EMPC. Practical implications Based on the research findings, the current issues about how DL can enhance the EMPC and EI in the private educational sector are addressed. It has been explored that academic leaders must demonstrate the techniques that build up strong EI among the teaching faculty to maintain a positive EMPC. The study results offer policymakers and academic authorities significant guidance who embrace technology and will effectively lead their educational institute to acquire educational resources to enhance student engagement and learning. It has also been found that the institutes are significantly impacted by DL, by the behavior and attitude of employees, managers and representatives, eventually. The employees’ attitude is majorly known as one reason that affects their productivity. Hence, this study can be found beneficial in establishing a supportive environment and identifying the leaders’ EI, which can reduce the issues of EMPC. Originality/value The findings of the study indicate that private educational institutes need to focus on enhancing the EI of their teaching faculty and give importance to faculty members’ abilities to deal with the new digital techniques to improve their effectiveness in terms of teaching methodology and maintaining the teacher-student relationship. According to the researchers’ knowledge, very few studies have examined the connection between DL, EMPC and EI. However, the association between DL and EMPC is examined for the first time in a specific Asian context, namely in Pakistan, with the mediating effect of EI. Therefore, understanding the effects of cynicisms will be a valuable addition to existing literature.

Is academic innovation need of an hour? The role of intellectual capital and dynamic capabilities in driving academic performance

Purpose This study aims to explore the connections between intellectual capital and academic performance in Lahore, Pakistan’s higher education institutions (HEIs). The research delves into the mediation effect of dynamic capabilities, such as acquisition and exploitation, between intellectual capital and innovation within these educational institutions. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the insights from a comprehensive literature review, the methodology uses a pre-tested questionnaire. Faculty members from private universities in Pakistan were chosen as the study's unit of analysis. Using a convenience sampling technique, data was gathered from 342 teachers and then analyzed using Smart (PLS) 3.3.3. Findings The results demonstrate that intellectual capital positively affects innovation. Acquisition and exploitation further mediate this influence, improving academic performance. Applying the knowledge-based view theory, the study confirmed the significance of all the posited hypotheses, underlining the positive interrelationships within Pakistan’s academic institutions. Originality/value The novelty of this research lies in its specific focus on the HEIs in Pakistan, demonstrating how intellectual capital and dynamic capabilities foster innovation, thereby enabling these institutions to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Influence of Ethical Climate, Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Justice on Workplace Deviant Behavior: A Mediating Role of Organizational Citizenship Behavior

This research investigates the intricate relationships among ethical climate, workplace spirituality, organizational justice, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and workplace deviant behavior within the context of higher education institutions in Pakistan. The study proposes and tests a comprehensive model, exploring direct relationships and the mediating role of OCB. The hypotheses posit significant associations between ethical climate, workplace spirituality, organizational justice, and both organizational citizenship behavior and workplace deviant behavior. Furthermore, the research examines the mediating effects of organizational justice on the relationships between ethical climate, workplace spirituality, and workplace deviant behavior. Drawing on a sample of 259 teachers from various public and private universities in Pakistan, the study contributes to filling existing gaps in the literature, particularly in the context of developing nations. The methodology employs a correlational research design, utilizing a survey questionnaire with Likert-type scales. Data analysis is conducted through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), allowing for a nuanced examination of relationships and mediating effects. The results indicate significant direct relationships between ethical climate and workplace deviant behavior, as well as organizational justice and deviant behavior. Ethical climate also positively relates to organizational citizenship behavior, as does organizational justice. Workplace spirituality, however, does not exhibit a significant relationship with workplace deviant behavior or organizational citizenship behavior. The findings further reveal the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior in the relationships between ethical climate and workplace deviant behavior, as well as organizational justice and workplace deviant behavior. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of ethical and behavioral dynamics in organizational settings, particularly in the unique context of higher education institutions in Pakistan.

The nexus between leadership styles and organizational performance: the mediating role of quality culture

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the mediating role of quality culture (QC) between transformational leadership (TFL), transactional leadership (TNL) and organizational performance (OP) in higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe study collects data through a nationwide survey of administrators representing public and private universities in Pakistan using stratified random sampling techniques, while partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis.FindingsThe results show that both TFL and TNL directly influence QC and that QC directly influences OP. Additionally, the study reveals significant indirect effects of TFL and TNL on OP through QC. However, the direct effects of TFL and TNL on OP are not empirically supported.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes theoretically to the understanding of OP in universities by examining valuable resources (TFL, TNL) and dynamic capability (QC) as predictors while also introducing QC as a mediator to explain the underlying mechanism between TFL, TNL and OP. However, limitations include a cross-sectional design, a small sample size and reliance on administrators' perceptions as the sole respondents.Practical implicationsThis study provides interesting insights for leaders, policymakers and quality managers to integrate valuable, dynamic resources and foster QC by increasing quality awareness at all departmental levels, thereby improving university performance.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study is the introduction of QC as a mediator of TFL, TNL and OP in a university setting.

Beyond Media Education: Assessing News Media Literacy in Media Students of Public and Private Universities in Pakistan

Infiltration of mass media has increased the exigency of tools necessary for countering the hazardous effects of mass media. Media literacy is considered a tool essential in the 21st century for a democratic society that aims to empower the audience and provides autonomy over mass media messages. Media education plays a significant role in educating media students about theoretical and practical knowledge about media industries. The researcher has employed the “Cognitive Model of Media Literacy” proposed by Potter (2004) and seven skills of media literacy suggested by Potter (2019), particularly as related to news content. News media is supposed to be highly objective, but highlighting some news while neglecting others raises questions about the objectivity of news media. The study intends to explore the standard of media education in Pakistan in imparting news media literacy among media students enrolled in BS and Master’s degree programs. To analyze the level of theoretical and practical knowledge of media students regarding news media and their level of news literacy skills, the researcher has collected data using a cross-sectional survey of 300 students (N=300) enrolled in two public and two private universities in Pakistan, including 200 media students and 100 non-media students. Moreover, through content analysis of the curriculum of media studies mentioned in the prospectus of BS and Master’s degree programs, the standard of media education in Pakistan is also assessed. The study’s findings suggest that media students are more news media literate than non-media students, highlighting the significance of media education. Similarly, consciously and excessively consuming news media also positively affects the level of news media literacy in media students. Moreover, this study suggests that while performing information processing tasks, media students are equipped with skills to perform the task of news filtering comparatively better than meaning construction tasks. However, content analysis of the curriculum reveals that the majority of the courses related to news content focus on theoretical and practical knowledge while neglecting the significance of incorporating analytical courses crucial to harness critical thinking skills. The findings elucidate that universities offering analytical courses in their BS and Master levels scored higher in their news media literacy than those not offering analytical courses. Therefore, the study suggests the incorporation of analytical courses at BS and Master level media education curricula to develop essential skills for performing meaning construction tasks effectively.

Influence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on higher education performance: mediating effect of quality culture

This study intends to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of faculty on higher education performance through quality culture in public and private universities of Pakistan. The study uses a nationwide survey approach, while data are collected from administrative managers through online and in-person questionnaires using stratified random sampling techniques. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 111 were received, however, 105 are considered valid while the data are analyzed by PLS-SEM. The results revealed the significant effect of intrinsic motivation and quality culture on higher education performance, and of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on quality culture; however, the effect of extrinsic motivation on higher education performance is not empirically supported. Besides, quality culture is found to be a statistically significant mediator in the relationship between intrinsic motivation and higher education performance, and extrinsic motivation and higher education performance. The relatively smaller sample size and reliance on administrative managers as the sole respondents are the possible weaknesses of this study. This study has expanded the theoretical and empirical understanding by introducing intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation as predictor variables in relation to higher education performance and implicating quality culture as a mediator. This study has important implications for policymakers, administrators, and quality managers to focus on employees’ motivation to create a quality culture, which in turn will improve the performance of their respective organizations.

Education quality and student satisfaction nexus using instructional material, support, classroom facilities, equipment and growth: Higher education perspective of Pakistan

PurposeThe primary purpose is to examine the impact between education quality (EQ) and student satisfaction (SS) in terms of instructional materials, support, classroom facilities and equipment, and growth in Pakistani private higher education institutes.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized correlation-focused quantitative research by randomly distributing a 54-item questionnaire to 440 postgraduate students in Pakistan’s private higher education institutions (HEIs). SPSS (V.23) and PLS-SEM (V.3.3.3) were employed to investigate the data.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that EQ has a direct and significant positive effect on student satisfaction with instructional materials, support, classroom facilities and equipment, and growth in private higher education institutions.Research implicationsThe current study will help policymakers, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and institutions to pay greater attention to the significance of education quality indicators in making a difference in higher education, which may contribute to student satisfaction. In addition, their efforts will significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. Furthermore, it will contribute to the betterment of the world by accomplishing the sustainable development goal of quality education set by the United Nations. The recent findings will also have far-reaching advantages for society, demonstrating the positive effects that high-quality education may have on a nation’s progress by creating competent and productive students.LimitationsOnly private universities in Pakistan’s higher education sector were considered for this study, and students enrolled in post-graduate degrees were the subjects of this investigation. This study was restricted to testing in only one province, Punjab, Pakistan. Another limitation of this study is that it is based on a research framework deduced from previous underpinnings and literature.OriginalityThese findings contribute to the existing area of research on the direct and significant effects of EQ on SS in HEIs. These findings may positively impact student satisfaction in private higher education institutions. The findings can guide higher education institutions (HEIs) regarding the importance of EQ in achieving desirable student satisfaction (SS). Because the Higher Education Commission (HEC) efforts will contribute considerably to the growth of higher education institutions (HEIs) and the nation, this study is vital for policymakers and practitioners working in higher education.

Effect of Authentic Leadership on Academicians’ Performance through the Lens of Positive Organizational Behavior and Knowledge Sharing Behavior

Due to recent upswing in leadership approach proponents of authentic leadership take a very normative approach, placing a strong emphasis on the creation of interferences to facilitate the development of authenticity. Authentic leadership represents a relatively new leadership framework stemming from the fields of leadership, ethics, positive psychology, and positive organizational behavior. Academicians and practitioners are concerned about how leaders in institutions affect the growth of positive organizational behavior, knowledge-sharing behavior, and employee performance since decades. Any institution, especially non-profit organizations like universities, may benefit from exhibiting the effective leadership style to boost employee productivity. If there was a correlation between the performance of academicians and that of actual leaders, this quantitative study sought to determine if such a correlation was due to positive organizational behavior and knowledge sharing behavior acting as an intervening variable. According to positive psychology, people may develop themselves while simultaneously promoting the growth of others by stressing their positive personality traits that result in the emergence of authentic leadership. Considering a sample of 350 academicians affiliated with both public and private universities in Pakistan, we were able to test and confirm our proposed hypothesis and verify the study model. The findings of this study have provided empirical evidence of the relationships between authentic leadership, positive organizational behavior, knowledge sharing, and academicians' performance. The implications of the study have advanced the theoretical and practical aspects by statistically proving a hypothetical model while providing concrete inferences that can be applied to enhance employees’ performance.

Perceived Ethical Leadership and Moral Voice: Mediating Role of Moral Courage

This paper uses a mediation model to examine moral courage as an employee’s self-regulatory mechanism for promoting a moral voice. Following the social cognitive theory, we hypothesized that moral courage was the underlying mechanism in the relationship between ethical leadership and moral voice. The analysis was based on the time-lagged data collected from 347 faculty members of private universities in Pakistan using convenience sampling. We found that perceived ethical leadership is not directly associated with employees’ moral voice. We further found that respondents’ moral courage fully mediates the effect of perceived ethical leadership on their moral voice behavior. This study contributes to the literature pertinent to the behavioral ethics, ethical leadership and moral courage. Theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research are given in the light of these findings.

Impact of the Course “Introduction to Education” on Learning of Undergraduate Students

The Course Introduction to Education was launched in the Department of Economics at Government College Women University Sialkot in September, 2020. Since then, it is being taught in a number of departments in this university. This study was conducted to see the overall impact of Introduction to Education on Cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of learning at Undergraduate level. Question papers made by six faculty members of department of education were used for data collection along with a self-developed questionnaire. Learning outcomes were categorized in three domains of learning as cited above according to Bloom’s Taxonomy of instructional objectives. The Course Introduction had a significant impact on the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. The students learnt the basic concepts, contemporary trends of education & teaching methodology. They were equipped with the essential pedagogical skills and competencies. They learnt to develop Audio-Visual aids. They learnt different theories of “Learning”. They came to know about different “Soft-skills” among students. It is suggested that the Course Introduction to Education may be taught in other public as well as private universities of Pakistan with a little modifications.

Analyzing the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Participative Decision Making with Related Outcomes at Pakistani Higher Education

It is evident from the literature that transformational leadership [TL] and participative decision-making [PDM] is currently considered very dominating approaches in academia and significantly affect universities' performance. Both of these are also likely to be associated with other variables in the context of universities, such as teachers’ self-efficacy, motivation, and job satisfaction. Considering the significance of these variables, not much research has been conducted to examine the relationship between these variables in the context of Pakistani higher education. This study thus intends to measure the link between transformational leadership and participative decision-making with related outcomes of teachers’ self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction. A survey was conducted to collect data from the teachers of four public and private universities in Pakistan. Through a stratified sampling technique, a sample of 218 teachers from public and private universities were collected to rate their leaders. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to conclude. Somewhat strange findings were inferred from the analyses. Our hypothesis is partially accepted as the impact of TL and PDM is associated with teachers’ job satisfaction in public and private universities. Moreover, the impact on intrinsic motivation is weak. These findings, to some extent, corroborated with earlier research and developed explanations of why Pakistani universities are different from other higher education institutes in view of adopting leadership and decision-making practices. It is, therefore, recommended that universities need to promote transformational leadership and engage teachers in participative decision-making to enhance their performance.

Investigating the efficacy of blended learning in ESL classrooms

The purpose of this research is to check the efficacy of blended mode of learning in ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms in Pakistan under the theoretical construction of Transactional Distance Theory. For this purpose, the data was collected for pre-test, post-test and self-administered questionnaire from 499 ESL learners of private universities in Pakistan which were offering the blended learning programs. The post-test results indicated significant improvement in student’s English language proficiency. In the same vein, the Partial Least Square (PLS)-Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) techniques results confirmed that most of the factors namely ease of use, computer literacy, need for face-to-face interaction, pre-built learning mechanism and resistance to change have a significant relationship with blended learning except the two factors namely, technical difficulty during the attempt and student assistance in lab.

Challenges & Suggestions of Online Teaching: Opinions of Public and Private Universities in Pakistan

Online learning has transformed higher education. Many empirical studies have been done on the challenges with online courses, but few have presented an overview. We reviewed the literature using Cooper's framework. Concerns were found to be common in three large groups: online students, teachers, and people who make materials. Online education had problems because students had different ideas about what was expected of them, their level of preparedness, and their level of engagement. Teachers had to deal with problems like getting used to their new roles in the classroom and having trouble with time management and how to teach. Considerations for content development, the role of instructors in content creation, the use of multimedia in content, the importance of instructional methods, and more came up during this research. Higher education institutions can help both teachers and students get past these problems by giving them opportunities.

Impact of knowledge oriented leadership on sustainable service quality of higher education institutes

PurposeThe potential role of higher education institutes is indispensable for realizing the dream of a sustainable future. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of knowledge-oriented leadership on the sustainable service quality of higher education institutes. Furthermore, it also investigates the mediating role of organizational innovation and psychological empowerment.Design/methodology/approachData of this study is collected from 306 faculty members of the public and private universities of Pakistan. Structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis and testing of hypotheses.FindingsThe results demonstrate the positive impact of knowledge-oriented leadership on sustainable service quality. Organizational innovation and psychological empowerment partially mediate the relationship of knowledge-oriented leadership and sustainable service quality.Practical implicationsThe policymakers including the higher education commission of Pakistan and university administration are highly recommended to promote a knowledge-oriented leadership style in the higher education institutes to improve innovation and psychological empowerment at the workplace which leads to foster sustainable service quality.Originality/valueThe concept of sustainable service quality in higher education institutes is in the infancy stages in developing countries. There is a dearth of studies that explore the relationship between knowledge management enabler and sustainable service quality. This study attempts to explore the unexplored relationship and extends the literature of higher education institutes and sustainable service quality.

Educators Perception about Leadership Competencies: A Comparison of Public and Private Universities of Pakistan

Educators Perception about Leadership Competencies: A Comparison of Public and Private Universities of Pakistan

Educators Perception about Leadership Competencies: A Comparison of Public and Private Universities of Pakistan

The present study is an attempt to understand the perceptions of educators about leadership competencies at university level and to draw comparison among perception of educators about leadership competencies in public and private universities. The study was quantitative in nature. Within quantitative paradigm, a survey method was used. The respondents of the survey included educators working in selected universities of Sindh. Based on three constructs ‘Accountability of Academic Leader’, ‘Management and Supervision of Academic Leader’ and ‘Academic Leaders Facilitation and Negotiation’, a survey questionnaire has been designed to find out the perceptions of educator. The responses of educators indicate that the leadership competencies of university academic leaders are not according to expectations of educators. The academic leaders unable to meet the expectations of educators about departmental matters and in resolving their issues and concerns. The academic leaders lacking interpersonal skills to delegate powers to faculty. No significant difference was found in the mean score of public and private university educators’ perceptions. The study recommends to orientate university leadership about developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and sustaining strategic plans of the universities.

Barriers to Career Advancement Opportunities for Female Faculty A Study of Public and Private Universities in Pakistan

The present research study was conducted to explore the barriers and issues of inequality experienced by female faculty members at their workplace and how they dealt with them. The study employed purposive and referral sampling techniques to conduct in-depth-interviews with 20 female faculty members working at public and private universities of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 12 open ended questions were asked from individual participants, both in person and on call. Each interview was 40 to 60 minutes long. The data were analysed through thematic analyses by identifying the initial codes, categorizing and analysing the themes, and finalizing the results. The findings of the study show lack of family support, traditional culture, and gender stereotype as the major barriers in females’ career advancement. The study ends with recommendations to plugin these barriers by creating equal opportunities for working women.

The interplay of authentic leadership and social capital on team leader performance in public and private sector universities

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of authentic leaders on the performance of educational leaders in public and private universities in Pakistan. The study further examines the moderating role of social capital in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from 259 academic heads of public and private universities and tested hypotheses using macro PROCESS.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that authentic leaders have a significant positive effect on team leader performance in both public and private universities. In addition, the authors establish that the positive impact of authentic leaders on team leader performance is stronger among employees with high social capital.Originality/valueThe education literature lacks evidence of the process through which authentic leaders influence team leader performance. The study is unprecedented in assessing whether social capital moderates the direct influence of authentic leaders on team leader performance.

Mediating Role of Job Embeddedness between Interruptions at Work and Job Satisfaction of Gritty Faculty Members

Purpose: The study has examined the job satisfaction of gritty faculty members working on Basic Pay Scale, in public sector universities of Pakistan. The construct is derived from motivational intensity theory in the context of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
 Design/methodology/approach: A total of 289 gritty faculty members from Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Public Sector Universities participated in this study by filling survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was adopted from different sources and tested for validity and reliability.
 Findings: The study found that interruptions at work have significantly positive relationship with job embeddedness and job satisfaction and most importantly the unique concept for mediating relationship of job embeddedness between interruptions at work and job satisfaction has been established in this study. The study further examined and found that self-efficacy, multitasking, social astuteness has significantly positive relationship with job satisfaction.
 Research limitations/implications: Results come at the convenience of the researchers from cross sectional study. The results might not have the generalizability for other countries. The application of the results requires intensive care for other universities and type of appointments in public and private universities of Pakistan and other countries of the world.
 Practical implications: The universities in public sector are required to define the job statues and flexible working hours for the faculty members working on basic pay scale to enhance the job satisfaction of faculty members.
 Originality: This study focused on mediating role of job embeddedness with interruptions at work, multitasking, self-efficacy, social astuteness, and job satisfaction of the gritty faculty members. Multitasking and interruptions at work are dimensions of information ergonomics in knowledge world. The concept of job embeddedness and ergonomics for gritty faculty members working on basic pay scale basis has not been examined intensively.

Hindrance Stressors and Job Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Political Skills

This research examined the indirect effects of hindrance stressors on work‐family conflict and job disengagement through emotional exhaustion, moderated by employees’ political skills. Data were collected from 218 employees (64% male, 36% female) working in public and private universities in Pakistan. The findings indicated that emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between hindrance stressors and both study outcomes (i.e., work‐family conflict and job disengagement). In addition, the indirect relationship between the employees’ hindrance stressors and both study outcomes through emotional exhaustion was moderated by their political skills such that the indirect effect was weaker at higher levels of political skills.