An innovative strategy for promoting research and publication activity among academics

Incentive-Driven Research at the University of Transkei

“…The point and interval estimates of the linear growth rate of research publications per year in the NED-approved journals at Unitra and the predictions based on these estimates are: The estimated growth rate (5•6786) was found significantly different from zero (p value 0•0074). This is an indication of an increasing trend in the NEDapproved publications at Unitra over the years and in keeping with the path earlier reported (Dye and Mwamwenda, 1995). Stated differently, incentives to research productivity continue to be a decisive factor influencing academics' engagement in research and publications.…”

“…Tien and Blackburn (1996) further point out that research productivity can bring behavioural reinforcements such as salary increases, peer recognition, pure enjoyment, the search for the truth and the sheer experience of sharing knowledge with other researchers, academics and scholars. Through research there is advancement and dissemination of knowledge; teaching is enhanced; so is one's personal status and the reputation of the university (Volkwein and Carbone, 1994;Dye and Mwamwenda, 1995;Mwamwenda, 1996;Park, 1996). Quality university education cannot be realised without research being an integral component (Moleah, 1995).…”

“…In view of the importance of research as an integral part of its mission, the University of Transkei has had a remuneration scheme for academics publishing in reputable refereed journals (Mwamwenda, 1994b;Dye and Mwamwenda, 1995) for the past ten years. During this period it has been monitored and evaluated to see the kind of impact it has had on academics' research productivity.…”

“…During this period it has been monitored and evaluated to see the kind of impact it has had on academics' research productivity. The first evaluation was carried out in the scheme's infancy and was followed by another three years later (Dye and Mwamwenda, 1995). In both evaluations it was concluded that the remunerative scheme had had an effect on academics' attitude towards research and research productivity.…”