Why does researchers' collaboration matter in research activities?

Abstract

AbstractThere has been a global increase in research and discussions surrounding research collaboration in recent years. This study mainly establishes why collaboration matters in research activities. Specifically, the study has ascertained patterns of collaboration, exposed moderating factors of collaboration and established the perceived importance of collaboration in research activities. This has been done using a cross‐sectional descriptive design that employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used questionnaires and interview methods to collect data from 236 researchers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20) was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study notes different patterns of collaboration between researchers. The findings also suggest that researchers with high ranks such as lecturers, senior lecturers and professors have multiple collaboration patterns than those in the lower ranks. Besides this, the study ascertains several moderating factors that foster collaboration in research activities. Apart from this, the study discloses different perceived impacts of collaboration on research activities. Based on its findings, the study recommends that university managements should not underestimate the domestic and international collaborations their researchers establish, manage and maintain. To see a difference in research performance, visibility and reputation, university managements should encourage their researchers to establish domestic and international research collaborations.