Malaysian Public University Lecturers’ Motivations For Doctoral Study

Abstract

The decision and motivation to pursue doctoral study can differ depending on the perceived significance and importance among doctoral students. However, little is known about the initial motivations for enrolling in doctoral programmes among Malaysian public university lecturers. The aim of this study was to investigate their motivations for pursuing doctoral study. Six public university lecturers were interviewed about their motivations that influenced their decisions for pursuing doctoral study. The method of data collection was in-depth semi-structured interviews since it enables participants to freely express their personal views about their motivations that influenced their decisions for pursuing doctoral study based on their personal experiences. The data revealed that contractual conditions, support from others, intrinsic motivations, as well as recognition and status advantages are the main factors for enrolling in doctoral programmes. The findings identified potential recommendations for both would-be doctoral applicants and universities to offer prior to enrolment in order to further investigate their motivations for doctoral study.