Empowering Collaborative Research among Academicians in Online Open Flexible Distance Learning Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Online Open Flexible Distance Learning (OOFDL) institutions are critical to breaking down barriers, encouraging innovation, and employing technology to bridge educational gaps. The impact extends beyond local bounds, resulting in a dynamic network of academic minds. Promoting collaborative research in OOFDL institutions lowers traditional barriers to knowledge dissemination. The Malaysian OOFDL higher education environment lacks a robust structure for encouraging joint research. Existing systems may not properly support interdisciplinary collaboration, limiting the potential for innovation and information sharing. The lack of a personalized strategy impedes the formation of dynamic networks among academic minds. This study seeks to assess the direct and indirect relationship between organizational culture and perceived collaborative research benefits, using attitude as a facilitator. After a thorough evaluation of earlier studies, reliable measures and primary data were chosen through surveys. A total of 383 academicians participated in the study through a structured questionnaire.  Using SmartPLS 4.0 and SPSS 23.0, the survey was analysed. Except for the relationship between organizational culture and collaborative research, the majority of the hypotheses were found to be confirmed by the results. Collaborative research is not only encouraged but also promoted by an open and supportive organizational culture. More importantly, this study has discovered the cascade effect, which explains how a positive attitude mediates this relationship and results in a more fruitful research experience with major advantages. The universities that have sought huge benefits of collaborative research are fostering both a positive attitude and a positive culture within their systems. Corporate culture and the advantages of collaborative research are closely related to attitude.