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

Abstract

Purpose – The study aims to investigate how personal values (PVS) influence research self-efficacy (RSE) among academics in public universities in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional design was utilized by the study to gather data once through structured questionnaires administered to 247 academic staff from four public universities in Tanzania. Findings – Generally, the results show that PVS positively and significantly influence RSE in universities. Specifically, OPC has β value of 0.284 and p < 0.001, SEFN has β = 0.352 and p < 0.001 and CONS has a β = 0.198 and p = 0.003. Practical implications – University management should include PVS as among the criteria for recruitment of academic staff, as it determines their confidence in engaging in research. Originality/value – The findings of this study broaden the applicability of Schwartz human values theory in Tanzania’s universities. Moreover, by carrying out empirical research on the influence of PVS on RSE in developing context such as Tanzania, the study contributes to the body of literature on PVS and RSE.

Keywords

• Personal values
• Research self-efficacy
• Universities
• Tanzania
• Academics