Possibilities of the Mixed Research Methods Application in the Management of a Modern University (On the Materials of Sociological Research)

Abstract

The paper discusses the possibilities of using mixed methods research in the management of a modern university. The goal of the study is to substantiate the heuristic potential of mixed methods research to identify effective approaches to managing the faculty in modern conditions.The study describes iterative data analysis within the framework of a mixed strategy:1) standard quantitative analysis; 2) quantitative triangulation, including the use of several methods, such as the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA); 3) standard qualitative analysis; 4) mixed triangulation, which ultimately led to a synergistic effect.The research results lie in different ways, including methodological and content related. The methodological results include the identification of the special heuristic potential of mixed methods during exploratory research; in the substantive part, a situation of social maladjustment of faculty was diagnosed in the context of developing “academic capitalism”, when the academic community, taking into account both economic and increasing social deprivation, is demotivated for effective labor activity.

Keywords

• university management
• mixed methods research
• sociological research
• triangulation
• “academic capitalism”
• the system of faculty motivation