The influence of openness to change on academics' research publication in public higher education institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

PurposeThe major purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of openness to change on research publication in higher education institutions (HEI) in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachWith a sample of 247 academics, a cross-sectional survey design was used and questionnaires were the primary data collection tool. The collected data were tested using mean and standard deviations, and the causal–effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables was tested using simple linear regression.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed that openness to change positively and significantly influence research publication in higher education (β = 0.598 and p < 0.001).Practical implicationsThe study recommends that HEI should consider openness to change value as one among criteria for hiring academics as well as developing good programs that will help academics develop the academics' self-awareness with regard to what takes for one to be a productive researcher.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the influence of openness to change as a personal value on academics’ research publication in Tanzanian HEI. In this instance, the study contributes to the existing literature on the influence of academics' personal values in terms of openness to change on research publication.

Do personal values influence research self-efficacy among academics in public universities in Tanzania?

“…The study is based on four universities in Tanzania, namely, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Criteria used to choose these universities based on how old the institution is together with the distinctiveness of the programs provided (Ndiango et al. , 2023; TCU, 2019).…”

“…(2012) claim that, SETR does not relate to work settings. PVS are important in shaping individuals' actions by guiding their decision-making process and providing a rationale for their behaviors (Ndiango, Kumburu, & Jaffu, 2023; Nilsson & Lundmark, 2020). People are driven to act based on the values they hold, and they seek alignment between their beliefs and behaviors (Rickaby, Glass, & Fernie, 2020; Levontin & Bardi, 2019).…”