The Level of Academics’ Engagement in the Higher Education : How are They Reflected in Research Behavior ?

Abstract

Abstract. Academics’ are an important element in developing higher education with their role on knowledge development through research. To realise excellent results of research, we need academics whose strong engagement on it. This research measures level of academics’ engagement on research in Institut Teknologi Bandung, an outstanding research university in Indonesia. The results show that level of the academics’ engagement is high with the highest score is dedication aspect. This engagement can be reflected in various outputs such as scientific publication, innovation in teaching method, and social empowerment like new product development, consultancy, project with institution or industry, creating popular book, and developing social business. High passion and self-motivation are factors that make academics have directed research by concerning in certain output. From this research, it can be recommended two things. First, it is important for policy makers in particular institution to be aware with various concern of academics so that they can propose proper policy to switch from research quantity into quality. Second, requirement for promotion with emphasis on publication should be evaluated by considering another research outputs.

Keywords: academics’ engagement, research behavior