Research Capability, Job Satisfaction, and a Multiple Approach of Competitiveness: A Conceptual Framework for University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Despite extensive empirical research linking research capability and competitiveness in the context of manufacturing companies, little attention has focused on the service sector, particularly the educational sector. A review of previous related literature reveals no evidence of research that investigated the relationship between the research capabilities of universities and the multidimensional competitiveness approach. Using the knowledge-based view theory, the study assumes that knowledge is a critical source of competitiveness and there is significant relationship between research capabilities and competitiveness. Additionally, it assumes that such a relationship could be indirect through the mediating effect of job satisfaction. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by testing this theory in the educational field. Additionally, the study uses a multidimensional approach to measure the competitiveness instead of using one proxy of outcomes, which has been widely neglected by similar studies.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p369