Barriers and Facilitators to Research Utilization as Perceived by Business Educators in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine business educators' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to research utilization. A cross-sectional survey design was used and business educators participated (response rate 89%, n = 180/210). One questionnaire, Research Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ), was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive. The study reported the barriers as follows: Lack of time, staff, access to research information, and research knowledge.; Lack of support to change existing practice, Lack of knowledge of research terminology, ; Inability to understand how to apply findings to practice, Inaccessibility of research finding, Anticipated outcomes of using research, Lack of organizational support to use research, 3.80; Lack of organizational and leadership support, particularly with regard to use providing time to use and conduct research, The study reported facilitators as follows: Support and attitude, like devoted and enthusiastic managers were likely to produce positive attitude towards research utilization, Closer ties between academic and service institutions where educators were encouraged to focus more on teaching their students about research utilization, rather than concentrating on teaching them how to conduct research. From the study it was concluded that one of the most effective ways to increase utilization and to improve the quality and relevance of research is to involve potential users in planning and implementation of the research design itself. From the conclusion it was recommended that supportive leadership and collaboration between colleagues should be encouraged to enhance the utilization of research findings.