Institutional research culture, technology applications use and research competence of lecturers of Kyambogo university in Uganda

Abstract

This study explored how institutional research culture affects the research competence of lecturers at Kyambogo University, with a specific focus on the moderating role of technology application use. The specific objectives were to explore the impact of institutional research culture, evaluate the effect of using technological applications, and determine whether technology application use moderates the relationship between institutional research culture and lecturers’ research competence. Employing a quantitative approach, the study adopted a correlational research design and gathered data from 192 academic staff members. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS. The descriptive findings indicated that lecturers demonstrated high levels of research competence and technology use, while the institutional research culture was rated as moderate. Inferential analysis showed that both institutional research culture and technology application use had a significant positive impact on research competence. However, the moderating effect of technology use on the relationship between institutional research culture and research competence was negative and statistically insignificant. The study concluded that while institutional research culture plays a key role in developing lecturers’ research competence, and technology use contributes positively, it does not significantly strengthen the effect of a supportive research culture. The study recommends that university leaders foster a strong research culture and provide capacity-building initiatives, especially in the use of technology for research. Additionally, institutions should consider adopting more customized technological tools based on the specific needs of their researchers.