The impact of motivational factors on research productivity of dental faculty members: A qualitative study

ObjectivesIn light of the scarcity of literature regarding the impact of motivational factors on research productivity among dental faculty members, this research examined the link between dental faculty members' motivation in the KSA and their self-efficacy about research. This study also analysed the factors that may contribute to the need for conducting more in-depth research.MethodsA qualitative study was performed on a group of 21 respondents working in different dental colleges in the KSA.ResultsThe fundamental needs for faculty members in dental schools include good remuneration, adequate research facilities, funding for research, and support. Some of the researchers clearly showed a greater need for increasing their own research productivity. These researchers felt that enhancing research productivity would benefit them positively because it would increase their scope of knowledge, which in turn would make them better faculty members. In addition, increased research productivity would also improve their status within the global academic community.ConclusionsThis study has clearly identified the lack of proper funding and support along with a lack of adequate research facilities as barriers to their research productivity. Dental colleges in the KSA need to promote faculty efforts and provide facilities to motivate their faculty members to perform more research.