Proven researchers’ perceptions of influences on academics’ research output: a case study

Abstract

English: This article reports on the perceptions of a group of proven researchers at a higher education institution on various aspects of research. The aim was to make recommendations on how the research output of academics may be improved. Wenger’s theory of learning in communities of practice was used as the theoretical framework. The approach was qualitative, by means of a case study design. Data was gathered mainly by means of interviews and document analysis. The findings indicate that individual motivation plays a significant role. However, communities of practice also play a role in stimulating the research development of novices and experienced researchers. Institutional support for learning systems can foster optimal participation in research communities.Afrikaans: Die artikel beskryf die persepsies van ’n groep bewese navorsers by ’n hoëronderriginstansie oor verskeie aspekte van navorsing. Die doel was om aanbevelings te maak oor hoe akademici se navorsingsuitsette verbeter kan word. Wenger se teorie oor leer binne praktykgerigte gemeenskappe is gebruik as teoretiese raamwerk. Die benadering was kwalitatief deur middel van ’n gevallestudie-ontwerp. Data is hoofsaaklik ingesamel by wyse van onderhoude en dokumentanalise. Dit is bevind dat individuele motivering ’n belangrike rol speel. Aan die ander kant speel navorsingsgemeenskappe ook ’n rol om navorsingsontwikkeling by nuwelinge en ervare navorsers te stimuleer. Instellings se ondersteuning van leersisteme kan optimale navorsingsdeelname aan navorsingsgemeenskappe bewerkstellig.