Developing a Research Culture in a University Faculty

Abstract

Abstract This paper offers ideas for those seeking to improve research and publications performance in university faculties, and may be especially relevant for younger faculties that have been recently upgraded to university status. A case study of the School of Management Studies at the University of Waikato is used to identify the important managerial decisions made to transform a faculty from being undergraduate teaching dominated in the late 1980s to one with a strong research profile by the mid‐1990s. The paper draws on management theory to show the links between changes in beliefs, attitudes and values in bringing about a change in the organisational culture. The case study identifies the decentralised university management structure and strong leadership at the dean level as critical elements in developing the research culture.